A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring sausage, potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Brown the Italian sausage in a sauté pan over medium heat until fully cooked.
Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Slice the potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
Layer the cooked sausage in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread the sausage evenly to create a solid base.
Arrange the sliced vegetables over the sausage in the baking dish.
Distribute the vegetables evenly for balanced flavors.
Pour the diced tomatoes over the vegetables and sprinkle with dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Ensure the sauce covers the vegetables for even flavor distribution.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture during cooking.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
Baking uncovered adds a nice texture to the top layer.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooling slightly makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.