15 Hearty Italian Casseroles Even Nonna Would Approve

Italian cuisine reflects a rich cultural heritage, expressing the celebration of love, family, and community. It often revolves around fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and a focus on regional dishes. Italian casseroles, known for their heartiness, versatility, and the way they bring families together around the dinner table, are a great homage to traditional Italian cuisine. With these delectable selections of Italian casserole recipes, you will be sure to make your Nonna proud!

Classic Lasagna

An exemplary Italian dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, classic lasagna is a favorite in many households. For a hearty and rich classic lasagna casserole, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese—season with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25 minutes, until  cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Baked Ziti

Perfect for a casual get-together, this crowd-pleaser is a dish everyone goes back to for seconds. You can make baked ziti, a meal that everyone can enjoy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is browned. Drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese—season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta mixture. Stir well. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Eggplant Parmigiana

A staple of Italian cuisine, Eggplant Parmigiana also known as Eggplant Parmesan, is beloved for its rich and savory flavor. You can make a classic Eggplant Parmigiana that is both crispy and gooey. Just preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Dredge eggplant slices in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Fry eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

A creamy and indulgent dish, Chicken Alfredo is a hearty dinner option that no one can resist. In just a few steps, you can make this decadent meal that will definitely impress your friends and family. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, combine cooked penne, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese—season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Sausage and Peppers Casserole

This casserole is an explosion of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors which easily makes this a perfect comfort food.  To make this colorful and hearty Sausage and Pepper Casserole, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage links until browned. Remove from skillet and slice into rounds. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender. Add marinara sauce and sliced sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with sausage and pepper mixture. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Offering a balance of flavor and texture, this dish has a creamy filling encased in a pasta tube. To make this rich and smooth Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, just follow these steps. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Fill cannelloni tubes with ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange filled cannelloni tubes in the dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Italian Sausage and Spinach Manicotti

More creamy delight with a spinach and ricotta mixture, but with the heft and flavor of Italian sausage. This manicotti recipe can easily be a family favorite. To make a stuffed pasta dish that is perfect for a weekend family dinner, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook manicotti shells according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion and garlic; sauté until tender. Stir in spinach, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff manicotti shells with sausage mixture and arrange in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

Caprese Chicken Casserole

A perfect twist to the traditional Caprese salad, this hearty Caprese Chicken Casserole perfectly captures fresh and simple Italian cuisine. To make a delightful fusion of freshness and comfort in a pan, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Bake for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Casserole

A perfect example of rustic Italian cooking, Sausage and Broccoli Rabe promises a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for a special gathering. Crafting this meal is easy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until tender. Add broccoli rabe and cook until wilted. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, broccoli rabe, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese—season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for a few minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cheesy Polenta Casserole

A perfect harmony of textures and flavors that brings a touch of Italian warmth, Cheesy Polenta is perfect for cozy dinners and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. This delicious and satisfying dish that will earn your Nonna’s approval. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread half of the polenta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread ricotta cheese over the polenta layer, followed by marinara sauce. Top with the remaining polenta mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole

This meal has a dash of street food culture, bringing satisfaction and flavor to every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, this casserole is easy to make. Bring a smile to your Nonna’s face and follow these steps to make a delectable Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned. While the meatballs are baking, spread the slices of Italian bread in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the meatballs evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and bread, making sure everything is well-coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

A delightful twist on the classic Italian appetizer, Bruschetta Chicken Bake might just be the start of your dinner. Win over Nonna’s heart with a classic bruschetta experience and follow these steps. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Place the seared chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the bruschetta mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover each breast evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the bruschetta mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Meatball Pasta Bake

Transform the classic meatball and pasta combination into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley

Deep-Dish Spaghetti Pizza

It’s a unique and delicious dish combining the comforting heartiness of spaghetti and the fun, cheesy goodness of pizza. To create a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite, follow these steps. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until tender. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well. Press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust. Pour the meat sauce mixture over the ricotta cheese layer. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, and chopped green bell pepper, if using. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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