Cozy Minestrone Casserole Bake

Name: Cozy Minestrone Casserole Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 cups dried mafalda (mini lasagna) noodles; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped (1 cup); 2 carrots, sliced (1 cup); 2 stalks celery, sliced (1 cup); 1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs; 1 cup frozen cut green beans; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped fresh basil and/or oregano

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When pasta night needs a little more variety, this colorful casserole is an easy dish to bring to the table. Everything is combined in one baking dish, then finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. The result is warm, filling, and packed with familiar ingredients that make family dinners feel simple and comforting.

Submitted by
Emilia @emiliahinkle

66 people viewed this

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01 The Story Behind This Dish 02 Recipe Card 03 Ingredients 04 Directions 05 Notes & Tips 06 Nutrition Facts 07 Community Photos 08 Reviews 09 Related Recipes

Recipe Story

The Story Behind This Dish

A little note from the kitchen.

This Minestrone Casserole brings familiar Italian-inspired flavors together in a warm, satisfying bake. The savory tomato base, gentle seasoning, and melted cheese make every serving comforting without feeling complicated.

Tender mafalda noodles are mixed with kidney beans, cannellini beans, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Parmesan adds a salty finish, while the mozzarella forms a soft, melty layer across the top.

Serve this casserole when you need a dependable family dinner that combines pasta, beans, and vegetables in one dish. It works especially well for busy evenings, relaxed weekends, or a comforting meal shared around the table.

Cozy Minestrone Casserole Bake

COURSE: Main Course DIFFICULTY: Easy

PREP TIME 20 mins

COOK TIME 45 mins

TOTAL TIME 15 mins

SERVINGS 4 people

Directions

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1 Set out all the ingredients before beginning. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C), then lightly cover the inside of a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2 Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the mafalda noodles, cover the pot, and cook them for the minimum amount of time listed on the package. Drain the pasta well and place it in a large mixing bowl.

3 While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the carrots are just tender.

4 Stir the zucchini and minced garlic into the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute.

5 Add the cooked vegetable mixture to the bowl containing the pasta. Pour in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, frozen green beans, and tomato sauce. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir until everything is evenly combined.

6 Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared 3-quart baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

7 Carefully remove the foil and scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is heated through and the cheese has melted.

8 Divide the casserole into servings. Finish each portion with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil and/or oregano.

Chef's Note

Cook the pasta only for the minimum package time because it will continue softening while the casserole bakes.

Drain both cans of beans thoroughly so extra liquid does not thin the tomato mixture.

Keep the skillet covered while cooking the onion, carrots, and celery to help the carrots become tender without browning too quickly.

Stir the pasta mixture carefully but thoroughly so the vegetables, beans, sauce, and seasoning are distributed evenly.

Add the fresh herbs after baking so their color and flavor remain bright.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 serving

Calories: 2160kcal

Protein: 72g

Carbs: 270g

Fat: 90g

Sugar: 36g

Fiber: 18g

Sodium: 1800mg

Cholesterol: 180mg

Potassium: 900mg

Vitamin A: 90%

Vitamin C: 36%

Calcium: 72%

Iron: 54%

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REVIEWS

5.0

1 community reviews

Love the casserole twist on minestrone, so comforting for cold evenings.

Lina Jul 22, 2026

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

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Emilia Hinkle

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Cozy Minestrone Casserole Bake

Table of Contents

The Story Behind This Dish

Cozy Minestrone Casserole Bake