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Minestrone Casserole: A Hearty, Comforting Twist on a Classic Soup


  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Minestrone casserole transforms the classic Italian soup into a hearty, oven-baked dish. Featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, beans, and a savory tomato-based sauce topped with melted cheese, this one-pan meal is comforting, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, etc.)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Mix in the Pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake Again: Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Protein boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or ground turkey.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Dairy-free: Substitute with dairy-free cheese or omit.
  • Extra veggies: Add spinach, kale, mushrooms, or green beans.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: minestrone casserole, baked minestrone, easy minestrone recipe, vegetarian casserole, Italian baked pasta