The rich, savory flavors of Zuppa Toscana soup are legendary. Now, imagine those beloved tastes transformed into a hearty, comforting casserole! This Zuppa Toscana Casserole offers a satisfying twist on the classic, layering savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
It’s perfect for a filling family dinner that delivers ultimate comfort food. Get ready to bake up a truly delicious experience!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this comforting Zuppa Toscana Casserole for many reasons.
- Classic Flavors, New Form: Enjoy all the beloved tastes of Zuppa Toscana soup in a baked dish.
- Hearty & Filling: This casserole serves as a substantial main course that satisfies everyone.
- Simple to Prepare: The straightforward steps make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s ideal for family meals or easily scales up for entertaining guests.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Experience the cozy warmth of Italian-inspired cuisine.
- Minimal Cleanup: Enjoy the convenience of a delicious one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your incredible Zuppa Toscana Casserole:
- 8 oz bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled, and 1/4 cup bacon grease reserved
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained
- 7 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes
- 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 6 packed cups washed and chopped kale leaves, stems removed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 large egg, beaten and tempered
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
Notes & Substitutions
- Onions: Feel free to use yellow or sweet onion if a white onion isn’t available.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic works wonderfully if you prefer it over garlic paste.
- Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall salt content in your casserole.
- Cream: Heavy cream is crucial for the rich, creamy texture; avoid using lower-fat dairy products.
- Cheese: For extra stretch and gooeyness, consider adding a layer of shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon and sausage in advance. Store the reserved bacon grease separately.
Equipment
You will need a few standard kitchen items to prepare this delicious Zuppa Toscana Casserole:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Casserole
Creating this delightful Zuppa Toscana Casserole is simpler than you think. Follow these clear steps for a perfect meal.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the thinly sliced russet potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Next, evenly spread the cooked, crumbled Italian sausage and crispy bacon over the potato layer.
- Return the reserved 1/4 cup of bacon grease to the same large skillet you used for the sausage and bacon. Place the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced white onion and garlic paste to the skillet. Stir these ingredients to combine, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- Add the washed and chopped kale leaves to the skillet. Stir the kale just until it wilts down, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything, and cook for 60 seconds, letting the flour cook out slightly.
- Gradually pour the chicken broth into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk and simmer the mixture until it slightly thickens.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream until it is thoroughly and smoothly incorporated into the creamy sauce.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the beaten large egg. Carefully transfer a tablespoon of the hot sauce from the skillet into the bowl with the egg, stirring quickly to temper the egg. Add another tablespoon of hot liquid, then one more, continuing to stir.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the skillet with the sauce, whisking vigorously to ensure it combines smoothly without scrambling.
- Stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese into the skillet sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Carefully pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly out over the layered potatoes, sausage, and bacon in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the Zuppa Toscana Casserole in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender.
- Remove the foil from the dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Carefully remove the hot Zuppa Toscana Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce set beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana Casserole
Elevate your homemade Zuppa Toscana Casserole with these helpful tips:
- Slice potatoes thinly and uniformly. This ensures even cooking and tender results throughout the dish.
- Temper eggs slowly for smooth sauce. Gradually introducing hot liquid prevents the egg from scrambling.
- Don’t skip resting time for set sauce. Allowing the casserole to rest lets the creamy sauce thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
- Adjust Italian sausage spice level to preference. Choose mild, medium, or hot sausage to match your taste.
- Thoroughly drain cooked sausage/bacon. This step prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, as highlighted by Healthline, being rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and beta-carotene. Explore the full benefits of incorporating kale into your diet.
- Ensure kale is stemmed and washed well. Remove tough stems for better texture and clean the leaves properly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before baking. Add extra salt and pepper to the sauce to perfect its flavor.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Zuppa Toscana Casserole fits many occasions and can be easily adapted.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty casserole warm alongside a crusty loaf of Italian bread for dipping.
- Pair it with a fresh, simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Top individual servings with extra shredded Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven until thoroughly warmed through.
Variations
- Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground Italian sausage with seasoned ground chicken or turkey.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to the mix.
- Spicy: Boost the heat by stirring in additional red pepper flakes with the onions and garlic.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses; mix in some shredded provolone or mozzarella for an extra cheesy pull.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Zuppa Toscana Casserole. These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 924 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Fat | 63 g |
| Saturated Fat | 29 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 210 mg |
| Sodium | 2147 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22 g |
| Potassium | 1346 mg |
| Vitamin A | 3289 IU |
| Vitamin C | 33 mg |
| Calcium | 447 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can cook the meats and chop vegetables ahead of time. Assemble and bake the Zuppa Toscana Casserole closer to serving.
Can Zuppa Toscana Casserole be frozen?
While possible, freezing may slightly alter the texture of the cooked potatoes. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What type of potatoes are best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this dish because they slice well and become wonderfully tender when baked. Ensure they are thinly and uniformly sliced.
Conclusion
This Zuppa Toscana Casserole truly redefines comfort food, bringing the beloved flavors of the classic soup into a hearty, satisfying baked dish. Its layers of savory meat, tender potatoes, and creamy, cheesy sauce make it an unforgettable meal that the whole family will adore.
This recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a simple yet delicious dinner. Give this comforting dish a try, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Zuppa Toscana Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread sliced potatoes in an even layer in the dish.
- Layer cooked sausage and turkey bacon over potatoes.
- Heat bacon grease in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic paste; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add kale to skillet; stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over skillet mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Temper the egg with 3 tablespoons of hot sauce from skillet; whisk into sauce.
- Stir in half the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour sauce evenly over potato and meat layers in the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake 50–60 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Turkey bacon substituted for pork bacon to keep recipe pork-free.
- For a richer sauce, use freshly grated cheese and temper the egg carefully.
- Feel free to swap garlic paste with minced fresh garlic and yellow or sweet onion instead of white onion if needed.
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