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
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
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Preheat the oven to 375ðF (190ðC).
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Lightly grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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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.
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Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the vegetables and pasta are evenly distributed.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
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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.