Sweet Italian Sausage Casserole

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup diced eggplant (1/2-inch)
• 1 cup diced zucchini (1/2-inch)
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (1/2-inch, red or green)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• cayenne or black pepper, to taste
• 2 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Put olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.

2. 2

   Add the sausage meat and cook for 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon.

3. 3

   Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon; reserve.

4. 4

   To the same pot, add the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion and garlic.

5. 5

   Stirring occasionally, cook until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the reserved sausage, the tomatoes, parsley, basil and cayenne.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Spoon the mixture into an 8 by 9-inch, oven-to-table baking dish to fit and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.

9. 9

   Bake in a 350°F preheated oven until the cheese melts, about 15 to 20 minutes.

10. 10

    Makes 4 servings.

11. 11

    That's it!