Italian Casserole

Whether it’s time to plan a family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, a casserole is always a worthy consideration. This Italian casserole recipe features both sausage and ground beef, plus olives, cheese and noodles in a tomatoey sauce. It also freezes well, so it’s a smart choice for those days when you want to make some for now and save some for later. Enjoy!

Italian Casserole Ingredients   

• Bulk Italian sausage: Sausage brings the unmistakable flavor of fennel or anise to every meaty bite.
• Ground beef: Ground beef complements the sausage for an enjoyable blend that’s neither too sausage-like nor too beefy.
• Onion: Onion flavors the meat from the moment it’s sauteed; it also adds flavor to the sauce.
• Green pepper: Green pepper adds color and a hint of flavor to the casserole.
• Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce serves as the base for the Italian casserole’s sauce.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste packs loads of tomato flavor into the sauce as everything cooks.
• Dried basil: Basil, an Italian classic, brings its lovely aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Dried oregano: Oregano, found in most Italian seasoning blends, adds a slightly peppery note to the casserole.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder brings the wonderful essence of garlic to this scrumptious meal.
• Canned corn: Canned corn provides a convenient way to add another vegetable to this dish. Feel free to omit it if you aren’t a huge fan of corn in a casserole.
• Canned sliced olives: Olives add massive bursts of umami to every bite.
• Wide noodles: Wide noodles help sop up all the delicious sauce in this Italian casserole. On top of that, they’re fun!
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be anywhere from mild to incredibly tangy, or even smoky. Use a sharp or smoky cheddar for added flavor, or mix in some mild for balance.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the meats

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, beef, onion and green pepper until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the grease.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water and seasonings to the Dutch oven, and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the corn and olives, then cover the Dutch oven and simmer for an additional five minutes. Stir in the cooked noodles.

Step 3: Bake the casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour the mixture into two greased 13×9-inch baking dishes. Top each with cheese, then cover the casserole and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.

 Italian Casserole Variations

• Change the cheese: Try a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan for an incredibly tasty casserole topping. Other melt-worthy cheeses to use in place of (or in addition to) the cheddar include asiago, mozzarella, Gouda or fontina.
• Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms provide additional nutrients such as vitamin D2, selenium and phosphorus. Cook the mushrooms in the Dutch oven along with the ground meats, onions and peppers.
• Add pepperoni: Pepperoni cut into tiny bite-sized bits tastes delicious paired with the ground sausage in this dish; the flavors are almost like a casserole version of pepperoni and sausage pizza. If that’s your thing, this Italian hot dish recipe has a similar, equally delicious vibe.
• Make it garlicky: If you enjoy garlic (and who doesn’t?), add some sliced or minced garlic to this dish, sauteing it along with the meats. Add several cloves, or even more, for extra garlicky goodness.
• Use pasta sauce: Use pasta or pizza sauce in place of the tomato paste and tomato sauce for a scrumptiously simple variation.

How to Store Italian Casserole

Store the cooled leftover Italian casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to four days.

Can you freeze Italian casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well, and when frozen, it keeps for three months. Cover the casserole dish with foil and then a double layer of plastic wrap to freeze the entire pan, or store individual portions in airtight freezer-worthy food containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How do you reheat Italian casseroles?

If the casserole is still in the original baking pan, heat it in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes or so, until it is heated through. Small portions may be heated in the microwave for one to two minutes, depending on the portion size and your microwave. You may want to place a paper towel loosely over the serving in the microwave to prevent splatters.

Italian Casserole Tips

Which noodles would be good in this Italian casserole?

Noodles that are wide and not very long, such as egg noodles, are ideal for this Italian sausage casserole. Rotini and bow tie noodles are also fun choices for this dish.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

No worries, because this dish can be made in any large, durable heavy-bottomed pan with a lid. The heavy, quality bottom on the pan helps ensure even heating.

Can I use different sausages or ground meats?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite spicy or mild ground sausage, or replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This dish is infinitely customizable, which makes it even better!