If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that balances vibrant vegetables, savory herbs, and melted cheese, look no further than this delightful Minestrone Casserole Recipe. It takes the rustic charm of classic minestrone soup and elevates it into a baked, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Bursting with colors, textures, and fresh flavors, this dish is a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a single satisfying bowl. Let me take you through this simple yet impressive Minestrone Casserole Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Minestrone Casserole Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of taste and texture. From the tender diced vegetables to the creamy beans and cheese, each ingredient plays a vital role in making the casserole both hearty and light.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing the vegetables and helps meld the flavors together.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down in the skillet.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a slight pungency.
- Carrot, diced: Offers a natural sweetness and a pleasant bite.
- Celery stalk, diced: Delivers subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Zucchini, diced: Contributes moisture and tender texture that complements the pasta.
- Baby spinach: Brightens the casserole with fresh, leafy greens packed with nutrients.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Bring acidity and juiciness to balance the creaminess.
- White beans, drained and rinsed: Boost the protein and add creamy, soft bites.
- Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation, helping the pasta cook perfectly in the casserole.
- Italian seasoning: A savory blend of herbs that lifts every spoonful with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors while keeping them balanced.
- Uncooked small pasta: (Elbow or ditalini) Acts as the hearty base that soaks up all the savory goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, inviting topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- Fresh basil, chopped: A fresh herbal note added just before serving that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Minestrone Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This sets the stage for that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese topping we all love in a good casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté them gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base essential to the success of your Minestrone Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Simmer
Add diced zucchini, fresh baby spinach, canned diced tomatoes, and white beans to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This melds all the vibrant tastes together perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now, stir in the uncooked small pasta, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. What’s fantastic about this Minestrone Casserole Recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the savory broth, absorbing all those beautiful flavors until al dente.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheesy blanket is what transforms the dish into something indulgent yet comforting.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Transfer your skillet uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake the casserole for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and get bubbly with just a hint of golden brown edges — simply irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and scatter the chopped fresh basil over the top. The bright, herbal freshness from the basil is the perfect finishing touch to this soul-warming Minestrone Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Minestrone Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh basil is the classic garnish for this Minestrone Casserole Recipe, you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to amplify the flavors. A few chili flakes can give a nice kick if you like a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite substantial on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread creates a well-rounded meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to each bite, balancing the hearty casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a basil leaf and a light drizzle of pesto. Alternatively, a colorful serving platter with scattered fresh herbs and a side of rustic bread invites everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Minestrone Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making the leftovers just as enjoyable, if not more so.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the original instructions.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be aware this can make the pasta a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans in this Minestrone Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While white beans are traditional for this recipe, you can swap in cannellini, navy, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, or replace them with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives to keep it both dairy-free and delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells work best here, as their size allows them to cook evenly within the casserole and soak up the broth flavor.
Can I prepare this dish on the stovetop only?
While you can cook the pasta and vegetables entirely on the stove, baking brings out the wonderful melted cheese layer that’s signature to this Minestrone Casserole Recipe.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté phase or sprinkle some chili powder into the broth. You can also garnish with sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Minestrone Casserole Recipe is a shining example of cozy comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition or flavor. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own – trust me, your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Minestrone Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Minestrone Casserole packed with fresh vegetables, white beans, and pasta, all baked with a cheesy topping for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like elbow or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the diced zucchini, baby spinach, diced tomatoes, drained white beans, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked small pasta to the skillet, stir well, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a casserole dish before baking if your skillet is not oven-safe.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly and use vegetarian cheeses.
- You can substitute small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini for best results.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- This casserole is great for leftovers and reheats well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
