Can I use pre-cooked sausages?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked Italian sausages work well here, and you can reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and brown the cheese.

What if I only have one color of bell pepper?

That’s totally fine. Use whatever you have. The mix of colors is pretty, but the dish is just as tasty (and still packed with flavor) with only one.

Not at all if you use mild Italian sausages. If you prefer heat, opt for hot sausages or throw in some chili flakes to taste.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Assemble everything a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just sprinkle on the cheese and bake as directed.

Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe

Name: Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 mild Italian sausages; 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, hearty, and absolutely irresistible, this Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers will be your new go-to recipe. Imagine juicy bites of Italian sausage nestled with colorful, tender peppers, all bubbling under a rich, golden layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and barely any prep work, you’ll have a satisfying, home-cooked meal on the table in under 40 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Five minutes is all it takes to get everything ready for the oven—no fancy steps, no complicated techniques.
Big, Bold Flavors: The sweet, mellow peppers and savory Italian sausage pair delightfully with gooey cheese. It’s pure comfort in casserole form.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, everyone will love these cheesy, sausage-loaded bites.
One Dish Magic: Minimal cleanup since everything bakes together in a single dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your new favorite bake:

Mild Italian Sausages: The star! They bring all the flavor you need—slice into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Tip: You can use hot Italian sausages if you like some heat.
Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers: Adds color, slight sweetness, and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your fridge.
Note: Roughly chop so they cook evenly and keep their texture.
Olive Oil: Helps everything roast up perfectly and brings out the flavor in both the sausage and peppers.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp, nutty notes and a beautiful golden top.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that beloved stretchy, melty cheese pull.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; season to taste.

You won’t need anything fancy! Just basic, tried-and-true ingredients that sing together once baked.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own twist on this dish? Here are a few ideas:

Make It Spicy: Swap in hot Italian sausages or add crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.
Veggie Boost: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or zucchini if you want more veggies.
Lighten It Up: Use chicken or turkey sausages to keep things a bit leaner.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives—it will still be flavorful thanks to those sausages!
Extra Herbs: Top with fresh basil or oregano before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Get Everything Chopped

Cut the Italian sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them to the baking dish. Roughly chop all your bell peppers so every bite can have a little bit of everything—scatter them in with the sausage.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the sausage and peppers. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together right in the dish until the veggies and meat are well coated.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Evenly distribute shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is what makes that glorious, bubbling crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The sausage should be cooked through (no pink in the center), the peppers tender, and the cheese golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy

Let it rest for a couple of minutes before digging in—this helps the cheese set ever so slightly, making each scoop just perfect.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Even Pieces: Uniform sausage and pepper slices mean everything cooks evenly.
Extra Crispy Cheese: If you love extra golden cheese, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye—it can brown fast!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a wide enough baking dish to let everything bake, not steam, for best flavor and texture.
Check Sausage Doneness: If unsure, slice one piece to check it’s cooked through.

How to Serve

This bake is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty Italian Bread: For mopping up all that cheesy, savory goodness.
Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Pasta or Rice: Spoon over cooked pasta or fluffy rice for a hearty dinner.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil, parsley, or even a few chili flakes brightens everything up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remainder to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through. If the cheese needs a little refreshing, add an extra sprinkle just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausages?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked Italian sausages work well here, and you can reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and brown the cheese.
What if I only have one color of bell pepper?

That’s totally fine. Use whatever you have. The mix of colors is pretty, but the dish is just as tasty (and still packed with flavor) with only one.
Is this dish spicy?

Not at all if you use mild Italian sausages. If you prefer heat, opt for hot sausages or throw in some chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Assemble everything a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just sprinkle on the cheese and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers puts all the best parts of Italian comfort food into a single, effortless dish. The flavors and textures—savory sausage, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese—are a surefire way to please anyone at your table. This is the kind of meal destined for repeat appearances on even your busiest nights. Give it a try, have some fun with the ingredients, and discover how easy weeknight deliciousness can be!