Turn your favorite Italian sandwich into the ultimate comfort food with this Italian Sausage Sandwich Casserole! This hearty dish features layers of toasted hoagie rolls topped with a savory blend of mild or spicy Italian sausage, sautéed onions, red bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Finished with a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole delivers all the indulgent flavors of a classic Italian sausage sandwich—without the mess! Perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying weeknight cravings, this casserole comes together in just over an hour and is easy to customize with fresh basil or your choice of sausage. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Place the halved hoagie rolls, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Arrange the toasted hoagie rolls, cut side up, in the greased casserole dish, creating a single layer.
Spread the sausage and tomato mixture evenly over the bread layer.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
3554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 206.0 g | 264% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.3 g | 446% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 565 mg | 188% | |
| Sodium | 9748 mg | 424% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 245.8 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.2 g | ||
| Protein | 185.7 g | 371% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 2446 mg | 188% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3157 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.