Italian food brings comfort to every table. These casseroles mix tradition with easy cooking. Each dish tells a story of Italian kitchens.
They feed large families with simple ingredients. Most 15 Best Italian Casseroles Recipes use pantry staples you already have.
Italian casseroles warm hearts and fill bellies. They’re perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Let’s explore these delicious one-dish wonders.
1. Classic Lasagna Casserole
This timeless dish layers pasta, cheese, and sauce. Every Italian family has their own version. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Cook noodles. Brown beef with seasoning. Mix ricotta with eggs. Layer noodles, meat, cheese mixture, and sauce. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella. Bake 45 minutes at 375°F.
2. Chicken Parmigiana Bake
Crispy chicken meets melted cheese in this favorite. It’s easier than frying individual pieces. Everyone loves this crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, olive oil.
Instructions: Bread chicken with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Place in baking dish. Top with sauce and cheese. Bake 25 minutes at 400°F.
3. Baked Ziti Supreme
This pasta bake combines ziti with creamy sauce. It’s simpler than lasagna but equally satisfying. Kids and adults both love it.
Ingredients: Ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, ground Italian sausage, onion, garlic, Italian herbs.
Instructions: Cook pasta and sausage separately. Mix pasta with ricotta and sauce. Add cooked sausage. Top with mozzarella. Bake 30 minutes at 350°F.
4. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Layers of eggplant create this vegetarian masterpiece. It’s healthier than fried versions. The flavors develop beautifully while baking.
Ingredients: Eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, olive oil, basil.
Instructions: Slice and bread eggplant. Layer with sauce and cheese. Repeat layers. Bake 40 minutes at 375°F until golden.
5. Italian Sausage and Peppers Bake
This one-pan meal brings authentic Italian flavors. Sweet peppers complement spicy sausage perfectly. It’s rustic and satisfying.
Ingredients: Italian sausages, bell peppers, onions, potatoes, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce.
Instructions: Slice vegetables and sausages. Toss with oil and seasonings. Bake 35 minutes at 400°F. Add sauce last 10 minutes.
6. Stuffed Shell Casserole
Jumbo shells hold ricotta filling beautifully. This dish looks fancy but stays simple. It’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, marinara sauce, garlic.
Instructions: Cook shells until tender. Mix ricotta with spinach and seasonings. Stuff shells with mixture. Top with sauce and cheese. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
7. Chicken Cacciatore Casserole
This hunter-style dish features tender chicken and vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one dish. The sauce is rich and flavorful.
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs.
Instructions: Brown chicken in oven-safe pan. Add vegetables and seasonings. Pour wine and tomatoes over top. Bake 45 minutes at 350°F.
8. Polenta Casserole
Creamy polenta forms the base for this comfort dish. It’s gluten-free and incredibly satisfying. Cheese makes it extra creamy.
Ingredients: Instant polenta, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, ground beef, onion, garlic.
Instructions: Prepare polenta according to package directions. Add cheeses. Layer with meat sauce. Bake 20 minutes at 375°F.
9. Italian Meatball Casserole
Tender meatballs swim in rich tomato sauce. This family favorite satisfies hungry crowds. Serve with crusty bread.
Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Mix meatball ingredients. Form into balls. Place in baking dish with sauce. Top with cheese. Bake 30 minutes at 375°F.
10. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
These pasta tubes hold creamy spinach filling. The dish looks elegant but stays easy. It’s perfect for dinner parties.
Ingredients: Cannelloni tubes, ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, eggs, nutmeg.
Instructions: Mix ricotta with spinach and seasonings. Fill pasta tubes. Arrange in baking dish. Cover with sauce and cheese. Bake 35 minutes at 350°F.
11. Italian Beef and Rice Bake
Rice absorbs all the wonderful Italian flavors. This one-dish meal needs minimal prep. It’s budget-friendly and filling.
Ingredients: Ground beef, rice, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, beef broth.
Instructions: Brown beef with onions. Add rice and seasonings. Pour broth and sauce over mixture. Cover and bake 45 minutes at 350°F. Add cheese last 5 minutes.
12. Prosciutto and Asparagus Bake
This elegant casserole features spring vegetables. Prosciutto adds salty richness. It’s lighter than most casseroles.
Ingredients: Asparagus, prosciutto, penne pasta, cream, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, black pepper.
Instructions: Cook pasta and asparagus until tender. Mix with cream and cheeses. Top with prosciutto pieces. Bake 20 minutes at 375°F.
13. Italian Tuna Noodle Casserole
This gives classic tuna casserole Italian flair. Herbs and cheese transform the dish completely. It’s quick and economical.
Ingredients: Egg noodles, canned tuna, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, peas, onion, garlic, Italian herbs.
Instructions: Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix with tuna, sauce, and vegetables. Top with cheese. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
14. Caprese Pasta Bake
Fresh tomatoes and basil create summer flavors. Mozzarella melts into creamy goodness. It tastes like Italy in every bite.
Ingredients: Pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese.
Instructions: Cook pasta until al dente. Toss with tomatoes and seasonings. Add mozzarella balls. Bake 15 minutes at 400°F until cheese melts.
15. Italian Breakfast Casserole
This morning dish combines eggs with Italian flavors. It’s perfect for brunch or dinner. Make it ahead for easy entertaining.
Ingredients: Eggs, Italian sausage, bread cubes, mozzarella cheese, milk, onion, bell peppers, Italian seasoning.
Instructions: Cook sausage and vegetables. Layer bread in baking dish. Add sausage mixture. Beat eggs with milk. Pour over casserole. Refrigerate overnight. Bake 45 minutes at 350°F.
Conclusion
Italian casseroles bring families together around the table. These recipes prove that comfort food doesn’t need complexity. Simple ingredients create extraordinary meals when combined thoughtfully.
Each dish carries the warmth of Italian tradition. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Your kitchen will smell like a Roman trattoria.
Try these recipes and create your own family traditions. Italian casseroles make every meal feel like a celebration.