Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Bake

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“My husband loves this meal for a weeknight dinner!”

A delicious, comforting dish made with browned sausage, sautéed bell peppers, savory marinara sauce, and loads of melty cheese. It’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and served hot in individual foil pans – perfect for easy cleanup or meal prepping.

 Ingredients For Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Bake

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

  3. Sauté veggies: In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  4. Assemble: In a mixing bowl, combine sausage, veggies, and marinara sauce.

  5. Fill foil pans (or a casserole dish) with the mixture. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and cheddar.

  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

  7. Broil (optional) for 1–2 minutes for extra browning on top.

  8. Serve hot – enjoy as-is or pair with garlic bread, a salad, or pasta.

 Tips

  • Use pre-cooked sausage to save time.

  • Add mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies.

  • Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage.

  • Want it lower in carbs? Stick with sugar-free marinara.

  • Bake in meal prep containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

 Servings

  • Makes: 4–6 servings

  • For meal prep: divide into 4 foil containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 400–450 kcal

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fat: 30g

  • Carbs: 10–15g (less if using low-carb sauce)

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.

 Benefits

  • High protein, satisfying meal

  • Gluten-free & low-carb friendly

  • Great for meal prep

  • Uses simple pantry ingredients

  • Crowd-pleaser for picky eaters!

 Q&A

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: Yes! Assemble it (uncooked or cooked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 30–40 minutes.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Absolutely. Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.

Q: Is it good for kids?

A: Kids love the cheesy top and mild sausage flavor. Use sweet bell peppers to make it even more kid-friendly.

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