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
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix in the Pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 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.
- 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