Jeano'S Italian Casserole
A hearty Italian casserole combining sausage, noodles, and vegetables in rich tomato and marinara sauces, topped with melted mozzarella—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove skin from Italian sausage links, brown them in a skillet, then slice and set aside.
- Cook egg noodles as directed on the package, then drain.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to the cooked noodles and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in a little olive oil until translucent.
- Add frozen chopped broccoli, drained sliced mushrooms, and garlic salt to the onion; cook until glazed.
- Combine cooked sausage, noodles, Italian tomatoes, pizza sauce, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter version. You can also substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if you have it on hand. If you want to add more flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or red pepper flakes. This casserole can also benefit from a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top along with the mozzarella. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked noodles from the Shortcut Pasta category.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience. It also makes for great leftovers, perfect for busy weeknights. For a variation, serve alongside the Quick Veal Parmesan for a delicious Italian night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat until warm, ensuring not to overcook the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeano'S Italian Casserole contains roughly 535 calories, with 24g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What can I do if I don't have pizza sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, you can use additional marinara sauce or a simple combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs to create a similar flavor profile. It's a great way to customize the recipe based on what you have available.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).