Italian Sausage & Cheese Bake
Few meals feel as satisfying as a skillet brimming with savory Italian sausage, sweet peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering bold flavors without hours in the kitchen. Hearty, comforting, and aromatic, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I wanted something more exciting than sandwiches but easier than a full pasta dish. Browning the sausage, sautéing vegetables, and topping everything with a generous layer of cheese made for an indulgent yet simple meal. It’s versatile, filling, and crowd-pleasing every time.
You can serve this skillet straight from the pan, spoon it over rice or pasta, tuck it into hoagie rolls, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this cheesy Italian sausage skillet delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italian sausage (mild or hot) | 1 lb | Casings removed |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Optional if sausage is lean |
| Onion | 1 small | Diced |
| Bell pepper | 1 | Sliced, any color |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Crushed or diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | — |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | — |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | — |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional for heat |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | Shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Grated |
| Fresh basil or parsley | — | Optional garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
If the pan seems dry, add olive oil. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Lower the heat. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture, then top with Parmesan. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve on its own, over pasta or rice, or with crusty bread.
✨ Hearty, cheesy, and incredibly versatile—this Cheesy Italian Sausage Skillet is a weeknight winner that feels special every time.
