Best 2 Italian Inspired Casserole Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey to Italy with our tantalizing Italian-inspired casserole recipes. From the vibrant streets of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, these dishes capture the essence of Italian cuisine, offering a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Discover the secrets of authentic Italian cooking as you explore our collection of hearty casseroles, each one a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Whether you're craving a classic lasagna, a flavorful chicken parmesan casserole, or a comforting pasta bake, our recipes will transport you to the heart of Italy, leaving you with a lingering taste of la dolce vita.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ITALIAN POLENTA CASSEROLE



Italian Polenta Casserole image

Cheesy polenta layered with thinly sliced zucchini and marinara sauce makes a delicious side dish to steak, pork chops, or chicken!

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Summer Squash

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (14 ounce) can cherry tomatoes
¼ cup fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon red wine
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup polenta
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups finely shredded Italian-style cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, red wine, and 1/8 teaspoon salt for marinara in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to puree. Set aside.
  • Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in polenta slowly, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Bring back to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano cheese and butter.
  • Pour half of the polenta into the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the sliced zucchini, overlapping slices slightly. Top zucchini with half of the marinara sauce, then sprinkle with half of the Italian-style cheese. Repeat layers one more time. Cover.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until cheese on top is slightly brown, about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.7 calories, Carbohydrate 21.3 g, Cholesterol 54.7 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 1035.9 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

MANICOTTI ITALIAN CASSEROLE



Manicotti Italian Casserole image

Some members of my family call it manicotti, some call it Italian casserole. So I call it Manicotti Italian Casserole. This is one of my all time favorite meals to make, and it's super easy! For gatherings I make the whole recipe, for my family I cut it in half.

Provided by ERINLOVE65

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 (8 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
2 (32 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 ½ pounds shredded mozzarella cheese
thinly sliced pepperoni

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Pour in rigatoni, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set pasta aside.
  • Meanwhile, brown ground beef and italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. With a slotted spoon, remove beef and sausage to a baking dish. Stir mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked pasta into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and pepperoni over the top.
  • Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 909 calories, Carbohydrate 77.6 g, Cholesterol 126.8 mg, Fat 43 g, Fiber 8.5 g, Protein 52.1 g, SaturatedFat 18.4 g, Sodium 2247.8 mg, Sugar 23.5 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta or vegetables in your casserole.
  • If you're using a store-bought sauce, be sure to doctor it up with some fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables.
  • Top your casserole with a generous amount of cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.
  • Serve your casserole with a side of crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Italian-inspired casseroles are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian meal. With a variety of recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a casserole that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these Italian-inspired casseroles a try. You won't be disappointed!

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