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Zuppa Toscana Casserole

Hearty Zuppa Toscana Casserole for Ultimate Comfort Cooking

This Hearty Zuppa Toscana Casserole is the ultimate comfort food filled with layers of potatoes, bacon, and sausage.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 8 oz Bacon Adds a savory, smoky flavor; reserve 1/4 cup of bacon grease for enhanced depth.
  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage Provides protein and a touch of spice; ensure it’s cooked, crumbled, and drained before adding.
  • 7 cups Russet Potatoes Thinly sliced for even cooking and tenderness.
  • 1 small White Onion Peeled & diced; enhances flavor depth through sautéing.
  • 2 tbsp Garlic Paste Adds a delicious aromatic flavor; feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a stronger kick.
  • 6 cups Kale Leaves Washed & chopped; remove the stems for a better bite.
  • 1/2 cup Flour Helps thicken the creamy sauce; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitution.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Forms the flavorful liquid base; vegetable broth works just as well for a pescatarian meal.
  • 1 1/2 Heavy Whipping Cream Creates that luscious creamy texture; half-and-half is a lighter substitution.
  • 1 large Egg Beaten; acts as a binder for the sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste.
  • 1 1/2 cups Parmesan Cheese Shredded; provides wonderful cheesy flavor and creaminess.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly across the bottom.
  3. Layer crumbled ground Italian sausage and cooked bacon over the potatoes.
  4. In a skillet, heat the reserved bacon grease, add diced onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
  5. Stir in the garlic paste and sauté briefly.
  6. Add chopped kale leaves and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it wilts.
  7. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture and stir well for about 1 minute.
  8. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  9. Lower the heat, and stir in the heavy whipping cream until fully combined.
  10. In a small bowl, beat the egg and temper it, then add it back into the skillet, stirring rapidly.
  11. Pour the creamy sauce over the potato, sausage, and bacon layers, ensuring even distribution.
  12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  13. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes.
  14. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes thinly and consider parboiling for tenderness. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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