Zuppa Toscana Casserole
A delightful casserole that combines the rich flavors of traditional Tuscan soup with layers of bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale, creating a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 oz bacon (cooked crisp & crumbled, reserve 1/4 cup bacon grease)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (cooked, crumbled & drained)
- 7 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes
- 1 small white onion (peeled & diced)
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 6 cups washed and chopped kale leaves (stems removed)
Casserole Base
- 1/2 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 large egg (beaten & tempered)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the grease.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic paste, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the ground sausage, cooking until browned and crumbled.
- Add the sliced potatoes and chopped kale, mixing well with the sausage and onion.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the mixture evenly.
Cooking
- Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Mix in the beaten egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, topping with the reserved bacon and remaining cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Allow cooling slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve in the casserole dish for a homey presentation. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Can be customized with different veggies or meats, and fresh herbs enhance flavors.