Introduction

Zuppa Toscana Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish inspired by the classic Italian soup. This casserole combines creamy potatoes, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and tender kale for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

A white plate holds a layered casserole with creamy, browned melted cheese on top mixed with dark green leafy kale. Light brown crumbled ground meat is visible in and on top of the dish. Thick slices of golden roasted potatoes with skins scattered throughout the layers add texture and color. A golden-brown, soft-looking breadstick with green herb specks rests on the edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (reserve 1/4 cup bacon grease)
1 lb ground Italian sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained
7 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes
1 small white onion, peeled and diced
2 tbsp garlic paste
6 packed cups washed and chopped kale leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 large egg, beaten and tempered
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon evenly over the potatoes.
Step 2: Return the reserved bacon grease to the large skillet you used to cook the sausage and bacon. Heat over medium. Add the diced onion and garlic paste, stirring to combine, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften.
Step 3: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and stir just until it wilts.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the skillet contents, stirring to coat everything well. Cook for 60 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined.
Step 6: Temper the beaten egg by slowly adding a tablespoon of the hot liquid and stirring in a small bowl. Repeat two more times, then whisk the egg mixture back into the skillet sauce.
Step 7: Stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Pour this sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, sausage, and bacon in the baking dish.
Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
Step 10: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Zuppa Toscana Casserole!

Tips & Variations

Any type of onion can be substituted if you don’t have a white onion on hand.
Cook the sausage and bacon ahead of time and store the reserved bacon grease in the fridge until ready to make the sauce.
For extra cheesiness, mix in shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole does not freeze well due to the cream sauce and potatoes.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of several layers starting with cooked potato slices at the bottom, golden on the edges and soft white inside. On top, there is a creamy, cheesy layer mixed with browned, crumbled sausage pieces and cooked green leafy vegetables giving a mix of cream, light brown, and dark green colors. There is a silver spoon scooping a portion from the white plate, and in the background, a golden breadstick and a red and white striped cloth can be seen. The surface beneath the plate has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular garlic instead of garlic paste?

Yes, you can substitute about 2 cloves of minced garlic for the garlic paste for a fresh garlic flavor.

Is it necessary to temper the egg?

Tempering the egg prevents it from scrambling when added to the hot sauce, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture in the casserole.