Go Back
+ servings
Zuppa Toscana Casserole

Hearty Zuppa Toscana Casserole for Unforgettable Comfort Food

This Hearty Zuppa Toscana Casserole is a delicious twist on the beloved Olive Garden classic, transforming soup into a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease reserved from cooked bacon
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage cooked, crumbled, and drained
  • 4 medium russet potatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 large white onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic paste fresh garlic can be substituted
  • 4 cups kale washed and chopped
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1/4 cup flour gluten-free option available
  • 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium optional
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half for lighter option
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. In a greased 9x13” baking dish, layer thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly.
  3. Layer the cooked Italian sausage and crispy bacon over the potatoes.
  4. In a large skillet, heat reserved bacon grease. Sauté diced onion and garlic paste until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chopped kale until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle flour over kale and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and simmer until thickened.
  7. Temper the beaten egg with hot sauce and combine with the creamy mixture.
  8. Mix half of the Parmesan cheese into the sauce and pour over the layered ingredients.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining Parmesan, and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for even cooking. Consider parboiling for softer texture. Customize with spices as desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!