Are you craving a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and preparation time? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to the best easy Italian casserole recipes! With a focus on convenience and satisfying tastes, this article will present a variety of delectable casseroles that cater to diverse dietary preferences and cooking skills. From classic lasagna and baked ziti to vegetarian options and trendy one-pot dishes, we'll provide step-by-step instructions, ingredient breakdowns, and helpful tips to ensure a successful and delicious culinary experience. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with these incredible Italian casseroles that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
EASY ITALIAN CASSEROLE
I just concocted this one night in a pinch. Its really just a form of goulash I guess but I got rave reviews from all who have tried it
Provided by rachiekb
Categories Penne
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Brown ground beef w garlic powder, basil, sea salt & pepper, drain.
- Add both jars of spaghetti sauce to drained meat.
- While browning meat, prepare penne according to package directions, drain.
- In 9x13 baking dish, layer ingredients: meat/sauce, cheese, pasta, cheese, meat/sauce cheese and so forth, ending w cheese (roughly 3 layers of each).
- Bake uncovered until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- *I usually serve with garlic bread and green beans.
EASY ITALIAN POLENTA CASSEROLE
This dish can be made completely vegetarian if you wish, but I love this with a little sausage. Baked and with the individual polenta slices it makes a great presentation with the round polenta slices and the tomato sauce. Serve this with a nice side salad.
Provided by SarasotaCook
Categories Pork
Time 1h30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Sausage and Vegetables -- In a large saute pan, add the sausage and brown until cooked through. I like to use bulk sausage but you can used links and just remove the casing. Just brown and then move to a plate with a paper towel on it to drain. In the pan dripping from the sausage, saute all the vegetables and garlic. If necessary you can add a little extra olive oil, but you shouldn't need to. Once the vegetables are tender, but not overdone -- add the tomatoes, breaking them up as you add them, tomato paste and vegetable broth. Add the herbs and any salt and pepper needed. Add the sausage back in and let simmer 5-10 minutes.
- Polenta -- Slice the polenta in thin slices. Most grocery stores carried the prepared polenta in tubes which is a great time saver. They have plain, herb, cheese many flavors. I love to use parmesan for this but it is not necessary. There are enough other flavors in this dish. You will need around 18 slices for this dish. Now in a small square casserole dish 9x9x2 or you can use something similar in size, build the casserole.
- Combine -- Add some of your meat and vegetable sauce, then add the layers of the polenta, you can over lap them, then the cheese. Another layer of the sauce, the polenta rounds and cheese. Finish with sauce and cheese.
- Bake -- I like to let it set at room temp until the polenta soaks up some of the sauce about 1 hour, then bake covered at 350 for about 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 623, Fat 25, SaturatedFat 11.1, Cholesterol 63.4, Sodium 949.1, Carbohydrate 77.4, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 7, Protein 25.3
EASY ITALIAN FRIENDSHIP CASSEROLE RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by Pattywak
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brown meat and drain fat. Then put the meat back in the skillet. Add spaghetti sauce to meat; simmer for 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on the package (cook to al dente); then drain and toss the noodles with butter, seasonings and parmesan cheese. Spray two 9×13 pans with non-stick spray. In each pan layer one quarter of the sauce, half of the noodles, then split the remaining sauce between the two. Top each with half of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. *You can also add some sauteed green bell peppers, onions and mushrooms to the sauce. Perfect for dinner or a meal to serve a crowd after a fun day of outdoor winter activities!! Scrumptious!
Tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your casserole. Use ripe tomatoes, flavorful cheeses, and aromatic herbs.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make an Italian casserole. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients or try different variations of the recipes provided.
- Cook the casserole until it is bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that the casserole is cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
- Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or salad: This will help to round out the meal and make it more satisfying.
Conclusion:
Italian casseroles are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be an Italian casserole that everyone will love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, try one of the recipes provided in this article. You won't be disappointed!
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