Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, casseroles are a staple in many households. Today, we’re excited to share a delightful twist on a classic dish with our Casserole Italiano recipe. With layers of Italian-inspired goodness, this casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at your next gathering. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this mouthwatering dish!
Casserole Italiano
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz cooked pasta, such as rigatoni or penne
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure that the pasta is coated evenly.
6. Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve this Casserole Italiano piping hot, alongside a crisp salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is versatile too – feel free to customize it by adding your favorite Italian ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this Italian-inspired casserole that is sure to become a new family favorite!
