Sausage Tomato Casserole in 30 Minutes for Busy Nights
Nothing hits the spot on a hectic weekday like a piping hot, cheesy sausage tomato casserole. Imagine spicy sausage, juicy tomatoes, and melty mozzarella layered into a bubbling casserole dish—ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove for an hour.
This casserole is more than just easy—it’s a full sensory experience: aromatic garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil, tart tomatoes simmering into cozy goodness, and layers of melted cheese stretching with every bite. Oh yes, weeknight cooking just got deliciously simple 🍅🧀.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tomato Casserole
- Ready in 30 minutes—prep to table in half an hour
- Only one pan + a casserole dish—less clean-up ✅
- Perfectly cheesy, hearty, and satisfying
- Great for leftovers or meal prep
- Kid-approved and customizable
Key Ingredients
Italian Sausage
Use mild or hot depending on your spice preference. Go for high-quality links and remove the casing, or buy loose sausage meat to save time. A plant-based Italian-style sausage works well too for a vegan version.
Tomatoes
This recipe combines the depth of crushed tomatoes with the heirloom sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It adds layers of bold and fresh tomato flavor—think slow-cooked Italian ragu without the hours.
Mozzarella + Parmesan
We’re going full cheese pull mode here—with stringy mozzarella and nutty Parmesan creating that golden, slightly crisp topping that’ll have you going back for seconds.
Cooked Pasta
Use short-cut pasta like ziti, penne, or rigatoni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta? Totally fine—just adjust cook time according to package directions.
How to Make Sausage Tomato Casserole in 30 Minutes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up.
- Throw in the diced onions and cook until softened—about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Stir in oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Fold in your cooked pasta. Coat everything in that rich, meaty tomato sauce.
- Transfer to the casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly. If you like a crisp top, broil for 1–2 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Substitutions + Customizations
- Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and vegan cheese (like Violife or Miyoko’s)
- Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite GF pasta brand such as Jovial or Banza
- Dairy-Free: Try Daiya or Kite Hill cheeses for a creamy, melty feel without the dairy
- Add-ins: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great veggie boosters
Serving Ideas
This sausage tomato casserole is a meal on its own, but you can totally round it out with:
- A side of crusty garlic bread 🥖
- Simple arugula or Caesar salad
- Roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus
Storage + Make-Ahead
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Meal Prep Tip: Make the sausage-tomato base 1–2 days in advance and store it separately. Combine with pasta and cheese just before baking.
Tools We Love
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – for perfect sausage browning
- Pyrex 13×9 Baking Dish – durable and dishwasher safe
- OXO Garlic Press – a game changer for weeknight cooking
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FAQs About Sausage Tomato Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire thing a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as usual (you may need to add 5–7 minutes to the bake time).
Is sausage tomato casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap it in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What’s the best pasta to use for casseroles?
Short-cut pasta with ridges—like penne, rigatoni, or ziti—holds sauce and bakes beautifully. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair or linguine.
Can I make it spicy?
Totally. Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for kick 🔥.
How do I make this lighter?
Swap sausage for lean ground turkey, reduce the cheese slightly, and load up on veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
Wrap It Up + Share the Love
Busy days call for comfort food that doesn’t cut corners, and this sausage tomato casserole totally delivers. Saucy, cheesy, smoky, and soooo satisfying—it’s the kind of meal everyone asks for seconds. If you make this, tag us @gotofoodrecipes on Instagram or Pin this recipe for later. We’d love to see your cheesy creations 🧀✨.
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