Italian Sausage Casserole

Italian Sausage Casserole is a warm and satisfying meal that comes together quickly and pleases the whole family. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella cheese baked to bubbly perfection creates a cozy dinner perfect for any night of the week.

I first made this casserole as a way to use up some spicy sausage and tomato sauce, and it quickly became a goto for busy weeknights. The leftovers taste just as good, sometimes even better, the next day.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta: Eight ounces of dried pasta rigatoni or any short cut pasta works well because the sauce clings nicely choose good quality pasta for better texture
• Italian sausage: One pound of Italian sausage spicy sausage adds a wonderful kick, but mild or sweet sausage makes a great milder version fresh sausage with natural casing is ideal
• Garlic: Two cloves of garlic minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with rich aroma and flavor
• Pasta sauce: Two cups of pasta sauce you can use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for that extra fresh taste
• Mozzarella cheese: One and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese shred your own for better melting and texture
• Fresh basil: Two tablespoons of fresh basil optional, but adds a lovely bright note and fresh color after baking

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat, breaking it into small pieces. Stir and brown for about five to seven minutes until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it for three minutes less than the time indicated on the package so it remains firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well incorporated.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the pasta mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in a preheated oven at 350º Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling. For a golden brown cheesy crust, uncover and broil or bake a few extra minutes at the end.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top for a fragrant, colorful finish.

My favorite ingredient is definitely the Italian sausage because it delivers bold flavor and a bit of spice. I remember making this casserole for a game night with friends and everyone went back for seconds, proving that hearty comfort food always brings people together.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking or after baking, just be sure to thaw completely before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead of pork Italian sausage for a lighter version. If fresh basil is not available, dried Italian herbs sprinkled on top add a nice touch. Any cheese that melts well like provolone or fontina could also replace or complement the mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad to add freshness and balance. For some extra indulgence, serve alongside homemade breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts roasted in the oven provide a nice vegetable side.

This Italian Sausage Casserole is easy to adapt and great for feeding a crowd. Enjoy warm with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short cut pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne are ideal as they hold the sauce well and evenly heat through during baking.

→ Can I use different sausage varieties?

Yes, both spicy and mild Italian sausages work well. Choose based on your preferred flavor intensity.

→ How do I avoid mushy pasta in this bake?

Under-cook the pasta by a few minutes before mixing with the sauce, allowing it to finish cooking in the oven without becoming too soft.

→ Is fresh basil necessary for this dish?

Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bake.

→ Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble ahead of time and keep covered in the fridge or freeze for up to three months. Bake when ready to serve.