Minestrone Bake

Servings: 8 Difficulty: Intermediate
A hearty, cheesy vegetable and pasta casserole that transforms classic soup flavors into a comforting baked dish.
Minestrone Bake recipe image

This Minestrone Bake is a creative twist on traditional Italian soup, combining tender elbow macaroni, savory pork and beans, and colorful bell peppers in a rich tomato base. The dish is layered with melted cheddar and parmesan cheeses, creating a gooey, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft vegetables inside. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, offering a warm, home-style meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. Easy to prepare and customizable, this bake brings together pantry staples into a cohesive, flavorful dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Minestrone Bake

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8 Calories: 26.1

Description

This Minestrone Bake is a creative twist on traditional Italian soup, combining tender elbow macaroni, savory pork and beans, and colorful bell peppers in a rich tomato base. The dish is layered with melted cheddar and parmesan cheeses, creating a gooey, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft vegetables inside. It&# 226;ÂÂs the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, offering a warm, home-style meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. Easy to prepare and customizable, this bake brings together pantry staples into a cohesive, flavorful dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ðF (190ðC).
  2. Lightly grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
  3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, the undrained pork and beans, stewed tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper.
  5. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the vegetables and pasta are evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes to set before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 26.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 5.5g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 0.9g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The casserole can be covered and refrigerated at this stage for later reheating.

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, cheese, cheddar, parmesan, vegetables, bell pepper, tomatoes, pork and beans, macaroni, elbow pasta, baked, oven, easy dinner, meal prep, hearty, warming, family style, leftovers
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