Italian Sausage Casserole

You're going to love this easy, 1-pot Italian Sausage Casserole. It's full of herbs and vegetables and oven baked to perfection in a Dutch oven. Ready in just 40 minutes.

Turn flavorful Italian sausages into this comforting casserole in no time! My whole family adores this dish - it's just so full of great taste.

This hearty and satisfying dinner option is packed with flavorful Italian sausages, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

It's also super simple to make, so it's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Prepared in a single Dutch oven, it's a convenient one-pot meal that promises minimal cleanup.

I just brown some sausages, then soften onions and veggies in a Dutch oven. Stir in a load of herbs, plus canned tomatoes and chicken stock, add back chopped browned sausages and then bake!

Baking this casserole in the oven makes the flavors so intense and delicious. It's rich, herby, warming and soooo good!

We serve it up with fresh dinner rolls (you've got to try it with Outback Steakhouse Bread), or spoon it over fluffy mashed potatoes. Either way it's always a hit on our dinner table, and I hope that your family will love it too!

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is a highly seasoned pork sausage typically flavored with fennel or anise. It's commonly used in Italian cuisine and adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes.

If you prefer a milder option, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage. For a spicier version, opt for hot Italian sausage.

If pork isn't your preference, you can also use turkey or chicken sausage as a substitute.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and easy to prepare.
2. Requires simple, everyday ingredients.
3. Versatile - serve with bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
4. Provides a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Italian sausages: Choose your preferred type of Italian sausages for this recipe. You can also use other varieties of sausages if desired.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides savory sweetness and depth to the casserole.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Celery: Adds flavor and crunch to the casserole.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Dried oregano, basil, and thyme: Aromatic herbs that enhance the flavor of the casserole.
• Salt and pepper: To season the dish according to taste.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and added freshness.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

Sausage Substitutions

You can try substituting the Italian sausage for a different variety for a whole new flavor profile! It's one easy tweak that will turn this casserole recipe into a whole new dish.

1. Andouille Sausage: Originating from Louisiana, Andouille sausage brings a smoky and spicy flavor to the casserole. Its bold taste complements the vegetables and herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
2. Bratwurst: Bratwurst sausage offers a milder and slightly sweet flavor compared to Italian sausage. It's made with pork or veal and seasoned with spices like nutmeg, coriander, and white pepper. While it may alter the flavor profile slightly, bratwurst can still be a tasty alternative in the casserole.
3. Kielbasa: Kielbasa sausage, a staple in Polish cuisine, is known for its smoky and savory taste. Made with pork, beef, or a combination of both, kielbasa adds depth of flavor to the casserole and pairs well with the vegetables and herbs.
4. Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as substitutes for traditional pork sausages. These leaner alternatives offer a healthier twist to the dish while still providing plenty of flavor.

How to make Italian Sausage Casserole

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown sausages in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, cook diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add carrots and celery, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
6. Slice the browned sausages and return them to the pot.
7. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestions

• Polenta or Rice: Serve the Italian Sausage Casserole over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy rice. The soft texture of polenta or rice absorbs the flavorful juices of the casserole, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Crusty Bread: Slice up some crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, to serve alongside the casserole. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Garlic Bread: Elevate your meal with a side of garlic bread. Spread softened butter infused with minced garlic and chopped parsley over sliced Italian bread, then toast until golden brown. The aromatic garlic bread complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• Side Salad: Balance the richness of the casserole with a light and refreshing side salad. Toss together crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite vinaigrette for a simple and vibrant salad that adds freshness to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the hearty casserole with a side of steamed vegetables for a nutritious and well-rounded dinner. Choose seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower to add color and nutrients to your plate.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to any hearty dish. Whip up a batch of mashed potatoes and serve them alongside the casserole for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: For a different twist, roast some potatoes until crispy and golden brown. Toss the potato wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before baking in the oven until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Try these crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes or Hasselback Fingerling Potatoes.

Variations

• Add diced potatoes for an extra hearty version.
• Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for additional vegetables.
• Substitute Italian seasoning blend for individual herbs.
• Use spicy Italian sausages for a kick of heat.

Storage Advice

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Recipe Tips

1. Brown the sausages well for added flavor.
2. Use fresh herbs if available for a burst of freshness.
3. Don't skip the garnish of fresh parsley - it adds a pop of color and flavor.
4. Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
5. Ensure the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, before serving.

Dutch Oven Dinners

• Dutch Oven Roast Pork Loin
• Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
• Corned Beef with Cabbage

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📖 Recipe

Italian Sausage Casserole

This easy, 1-pot Italian Sausage Casserole is full of herbs and vegetables. Oven baked to perfection in just 40 minutes.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dutch oven sausage casserole, italian sausage casserole, sausage casserole, sausage stew

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 487kcal

Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes

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Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausages Italian sausage or any other type you prefer
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausages and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same Dutch oven, add diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir well to combine. Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Slice the browned sausage and return them to the pot.
• Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling, hot and the vegetables are tender and the sausages are cooked through.
• Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Taste the Italian sausage casserole and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley before serving.
• Serve the sausage casserole hot with bread, rolls, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 854mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5120IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.