Hearty Minestrone Casserole: A Comforting Italian Delight

🧑‍🍳 Introduction

Looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl? This easy minestrone casserole recipe takes all the cozy comfort of traditional Italian minestrone soup and transforms it into a delicious, baked family meal. It’s a vibrant blend of vegetables, beans, pasta, and melty cheese that satisfies even the hungriest crowd.

This Italian vegetable casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep — offering the wholesome goodness of a soup with the hearty satisfaction of a casserole. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and totally customizable.

Let’s make this cozy Italian-inspired casserole that brings the warmth of soup to the comfort of your oven.

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🍅 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

💡 Substitution Tip: Swap mozzarella for Parmesan or vegan cheese, use kidney beans instead of cannellini, or add spinach or kale for extra greens.

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🔥 Instructions

How to Make Minestrone Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and zucchini until tender.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, pasta, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let flavors blend.

4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

5. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Minestrone Casserole Tips

• Add cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey for extra protein.

• Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your minestrone casserole with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a full Italian-inspired meal. For a fun twist, drizzle a little pesto on top before serving for extra flavor.

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💡 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze cooled casserole portions for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

👉 Meal Prep Tip: This casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together — perfect for lunchboxes or quick reheats!

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❓ FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What kind of pasta works best in minestrone casserole?
Short pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they hold up well in baking.

Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
It’s vegetarian as written. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use plant-based mozzarella.

Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken make excellent additions.

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