This simple, comforting baked Italian Sausage and Potato Casserole combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, red and green bell peppers, onions, and classic Italian seasonings for an easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
If you want a hearty main dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, this casserole is a great choice. It comes together in just a few steps and provides a balanced, one-pan-style dinner your family will enjoy.
Overview
This Italian sausage potato casserole is straightforward to make and serves four. The recipe layers cooked Italian sausage, lightly browned potato slices, and sautéed peppers and onions, then finishes in the oven with a splash of chicken stock and Italian seasoning. The method concentrates flavor while keeping prep and active cooking time minimal.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Potato Casserole
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces (use sweet or hot sausage depending on preference). Cook the sausage, turning occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage to paper towel to drain and then place it in the prepared baking dish.
Cook the Potatoes
Wipe the skillet clean of excess grease, leaving any fond for added flavor. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 4 medium red potatoes (unpeeled), halved lengthwise then sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons. Cook the potato slices, turning occasionally, until lightly golden and almost tender. Remove the potatoes and layer them over the sausage in the baking dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté one green bell pepper (seeded and roughly chopped), one red bell pepper (seeded and roughly chopped), and one large brown onion (thinly sliced) until the vegetables soften and begin to brown, about 3–5 minutes. Spread the cooked vegetables over the potatoes in the baking dish.
Assemble and Bake
Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock evenly over the layers of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper over the casserole, then gently stir to combine the ingredients. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
When the casserole is finished baking, remove the foil and serve the dish hot. This savory meat-and-potatoes casserole pairs well with a crisp side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (for sausage)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces (sweet or hot)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for potatoes)
- 4 medium red potatoes, unpeeled, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large brown onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage pieces until cooked through. Drain on paper towel and place in the baking dish.
- Wipe skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cook potato slices over medium heat until lightly golden and almost tender. Layer potatoes over sausage.
- Sauté peppers and onion in the same skillet until softened and lightly browned. Spread vegetables over the potatoes.
- Pour chicken stock over the casserole, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir gently to combine. Cover with foil.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and serve hot.
Notes and Tips
- The recipe as written serves four. If cooking for two, you can halve the solid ingredients but keep the 1/2 cup chicken stock if you prefer the dish a bit saucier.
- Use sweet or hot Italian sausage to control the spice level. Leaner sausages will produce less grease to drain.
- Leaving potato skins on adds texture and nutrients; if you prefer, peel them before slicing.
- For a crisp-topped casserole, uncover and broil for a few minutes after baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
Estimated per-serving nutrition (4 servings): approximately 659 calories, 45g fat, 21g protein, and 41g carbohydrates. Exact values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
This Italian Sausage and Potato Casserole is an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and convenience to the weeknight table. It’s ideal for family dinners, feeding a crowd, or preparing ahead for a simple reheat-and-serve meal.
