If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with fresh veggies and savory goodness, this Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of tender zucchini slices, flavorful ground sausage, and melty cheese baked to perfection, making it perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and brings together layers of texture and taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with a red handle is filled with green sliced zucchini pieces at the bottom, with bright red tomato sauce being poured over the top with a wooden spoon. The sauce is thick and chunky, covering the zucchini in the pan. The pan sits on a small light wooden board on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are bright green and red with a contrast from the white pan and light wood. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe are simple, wholesome, and thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role, from juicy tomatoes adding moisture, to the melty cheeses giving that irresistible golden top.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies and sausage to perfection.
Small Onion (deseeded, diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of this casserole.
Bell Pepper (diced, red or green): Adds a nice crunch and a pop of color for visual appeal.
Garlic Cloves (2, crushed): Infuses the dish with that warm, aromatic punch we all love.
Ground Chicken Sausage Meat (1 pound): Or swap for ground pork sausage for richer flavor—this forms the savory backbone.
Zucchini (5 medium, sliced 1/4 inch): The star vegetable that keeps this casserole light, fresh, and satisfying.
Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): Makes sure every bite has that herby, Mediterranean vibe.
Salt and Ground Pepper (1/4 teaspoon each): Essential for seasoning to heighten all the natural flavors.
Can of Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Brings acidity and moisture to keep the casserole juicy.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a complex tangy note that complements the sausage beautifully.
Shredded Mozzarella (1/2 cup): Melts wonderfully to create a gooey, luscious topping.
Shredded Cheddar (1/2 cup): Provides sharpness and color contrast on top.
Broth (1/4 cup, low sodium beef or vegetable): Helps simmer the zucchini and tomatoes, infusing more flavor while keeping the dish moist.

How to Make Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to get that perfect golden finish on your casserole.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm one tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and crushed garlic. Stir occasionally for a few minutes until everything smells fragrant and your kitchen starts to fill with those mouth-watering aromas.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Now add the ground sausage meat along with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Use a wooden spatula to break the meat into small crumbles. Cooking it until no longer pink, about six minutes, will develop layers of savory flavor that make this casserole unforgettable.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Worcestershire Sauce

Stir in the diced bell pepper and Worcestershire sauce, then cook for another 1–2 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and everything melds together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Zucchini

Remove the cooked sausage mixture and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the zucchini slices. Stir for about a minute to get them slightly tender without losing their bite.

Step 6: Simmer Tomatoes and Broth

Add the undrained diced tomatoes and broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the zucchini is soft and the liquid reduces just enough to concentrate the flavors.

Step 7: Combine Sausage Mixture

Return the sausage mixture to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Let it warm through for an extra minute to marry the flavors before transferring to your baking dish.

Step 8: Bake with Cheese

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned beautifully golden and bubbly.

How to Serve Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole. The top layer has golden melted cheese scattered with slices of browned zucchini. Underneath, there appears to be a thick sauce with red pieces, likely tomatoes, and browned bits that resemble cooked meat. The dish sits on white parchment paper over a wooden board, and the background shows a white marbled surface with some green zucchini and leafy herbs blurred out. The overall look is warm and hearty, with colors of yellow, green, red, and brown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect garnishes that add a fresh, vibrant pop and a subtle herbal aroma that complements the hearty casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy cooked brown rice, nutty quinoa, or even low-carb cauliflower rice for a healthy and filling meal that rounds out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins to make the meal feel extra special. You can also layer the casserole with thin slices of zucchini and sausage between cheese layers, then bake for a lasagna-inspired presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or an airtight lid. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the casserole into airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers either in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and the cheese is still melty.

FAQs

Can I use Turkey Sausage instead of Chicken Sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works just as well and will give you a similarly lean but flavorful base for this casserole. Just adjust seasoning to taste if your sausage is already seasoned.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, tamari or soy sauce can be used as a substitute to add that savory umami depth to your dish.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can! Replace the sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or extra mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Add some smoked paprika for a bit of that smoky sausage flavor.

How do I know when the zucchini is perfectly cooked?

The zucchini should be tender but still hold its shape after simmering about 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures the casserole won’t be mushy but will have a nice, pleasant bite.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and Worcestershire sauce. Always double-check labels if you have sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini Sausage Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its easy preparation, fresh ingredients, and irresistible combination of flavors, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini and sausage together!