Summery Sausage Casserole

Why yes, all my photos are striking similar... how would you photograph
a casserole in a skillet?? ;-p

Ok, so maybe baking isn't at the top of your list of things to do in the summer. But - especially if you have your own garden - you have to do something with all those veggies!! This dish is very tasty, and can be healthy, depending on the meat you use. It's loaded with garden fresh (or market fresh!) veggies, and I serve it over whole wheat pasta with shredded parm. It's summery and delicious!

Summery Sausage Casserole
Serves 4

1 pkg. sausage (I've used Jimmy Dean Reduced Fat pork sausage, and also 6 links of Smoked Turkey Sausage - I prefer the turkey!)
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 large yellow squach, shopped
1 large zucchini, chopped
1T minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 14oz cans chopped tomatoes (3 large fresh ones, chopped)
1T dried parsley
1T dried oregano
1t salt
1t black pepper
1.5C shredded mozzarella
1/2C italian seasoned bread crumbs (if you don't have them, just leave them out - its fine with no crumbs)

fresh parmesan cheese for each plate (also fine without)
hot, cooked whole wheat penne, rigatoni or bowties

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400. In your largest skillet, begin to brown the meat. If you use pork sausage, you won't need any oil. Turkey sausage might need a drizzle of EVOO or some skillet spray. When the meat is about 1/2 done, add the onions and peppers (drain pork sausage first). Saute 5 minutes, add squash & zucchini and saute 5 more. Everything should be softening by now. (if your skillet wasn't big enough, just pour the meat into a bowl to hold while you finish everything else)
   
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings, and reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Mix your mozz and bread crumbs together in a small bowl. If your skillet is oven-safe, sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and pop into the oven. Or, grease a casserole dish, pour your skillet in, top with cheese and bake. Bake about 20-25 minutes or until all the veggies are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and brown.
3. Serve over whole wheat pasta, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese along with a green salad and french bread!