Italian Sausage Casserole

Italian Sausage Casserole is a hearty dinner that comes together quickly and delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese makes this dish irresistible for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s one of those meals that fills the house with amazing smells and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this recipe many years ago when I was looking for a crowd-pleaser, and now it is a requested staple in my family rotation. The cheese bubbling on top never fails to bring a smile.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Eight ounces dried pasta such as rigatoni or any short shape you prefer. Rigatoni is ideal because its hollow tubes trap sauce deliciously
• Sausage: One pound Italian sausage. Spicy sausage builds more flavor, but mild or sweet work fine too. Choose quality sausage with good seasoning and minimal fillers
• Garlic: Two cloves garlic minced fresh for aromatic depth that enhances the sausage beautifully
• Pasta sauce: Two cups pasta sauce. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you want to skip the jar. Look for a rich tomato base for best results
• Mozzarella: One and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided, preferably freshly shredded for better melting and moisture control
• Basil: Two tablespoons fresh basil chopped. This is optional but adds fresh brightness and color after baking

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt generously and cook the pasta for three minutes less than package directions to ensure it remains al dente after baking. Drain and set aside. Heating the pasta this way prevents mushiness.

Brown the Sausage:

Place a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sausage and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for five to seven minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Drain excess grease carefully. Add the minced garlic and cook for another one to two minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour the pasta sauce into the sausage mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for five to ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Add the cooked pasta and three quarters of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the meat and sauce mixture creating a creamy coating for the pasta.

Bake the Casserole:

Transfer everything into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through throughout. Remove the foil and if you like a golden top, place it under the broiler for a few minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and subtle herbal notes that brighten each bite.

Pin it

One of my favorite ingredients is the fresh basil. Adding it fresh at the end lifts the dish and cuts through the richness. I have fond memories of baking this for family gatherings where the room would fill with the scent of garlic, sausage, and cheese. A true comfort food moment that everyone eagerly anticipated.

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in an oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the melted cheese texture, reheating in the oven works best.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Italian sausage, ground pork or turkey can work just add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for flavor. For a dairy free version, skip the mozzarella or use a plant based cheese that melts well. Tomato sauce can be swapped for a marinara or a spicy arrabbiata if you prefer more heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for freshness and crunch. Garlic breadsticks or an herbed focaccia will soak up the sauce deliciously. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement the richness perfectly during cooler months.

Pin it

This casserole is comforting and easy to adapt for different tastes. It reheats well and is great for feeding a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short cut pasta shapes like rigatoni are ideal as they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the bake.

→ Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage varieties all work well, depending on your preferred flavor intensity.

→ How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy?

Cook the pasta slightly under the package instructions so it remains firm when baked with the sauce.

→ Can this be prepared in advance?

Absolutely, assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate or freeze, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

→ What toppings enhance the finished dish?

Fresh basil adds brightness, and extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese creates a lovely melted crust on top.