Imagine a sizzling skillet packed with mouthwatering Italian sausage, rich tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella that comes together in just 30 minutes - this is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty, restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this Cheesy Tomato Italian Sausage Skillet is about to become your new go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing if needed, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté with the sausage until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes into the skillet, including the liquid. Stir to combine with the sausage and onions.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh Italian sausage and remove it from the casing for the best texture and flavor integration.
- Make sure to brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing process - letting them caramelize slightly adds incredible depth to the dish.
- For extra richness, consider using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan.
- Let the skillet rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set perfectly.
- If you prefer a spicier version, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and melted cheese experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
