Description
A delicious and hearty Italian sub casserole that combines meats, cheeses, and bread for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 11/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: Start by heating up a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until well-browned and fragrant, approximately 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Once the meats are browned, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but do not let it boil too long.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a casserole dish, layer the bottom with half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the diced green bell pepper, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the sliced pepperoni. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the rest of the cheeses on top.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top generously.
- Bake & Smell the Magic: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F and bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. If the cheese layer starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool & Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to make slicing easier. This will help maintain the structure and prevent a messy portioning.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: To avoid soggy layers, pre-brown the meats and vegetables. For a drier casserole, consider adding more marinara sauce or a splash of broth before baking. If the cheese browns too quickly, covering with aluminum foil halfway through cooking can help. Make sure to drain any canned vegetables thoroughly to avoid a mushy bottom layer.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a green salad and Italian dressing. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal. Offer slices with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Recipe Variations: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter dish. Add spinach or mushrooms for additional veggies. Use a different type of cheese, like provolone or cheddar, for a unique twist. Ingredient Notes: Fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor and texture. Turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional Italian sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg