9 Italian Casserole Recipes Any Nonna Would Approve Of

Italian casseroles are the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. They balance warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite. These dishes go beyond pasta and cheese-they carry generations of family tradition, from bubbling lasagna to tender eggplant bakes. Whether you crave something meaty, cheesy, or full of vegetables, each recipe here reflects that Italian knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Here are nine casseroles any Nonna would approve of.

1. Classic Baked Ziti

This casserole is the definition of Italian comfort. You layer ziti pasta with ricotta, mozzarella, and a slow-simmered tomato sauce that’s rich with garlic and herbs. The trick is to bake it just long enough for the cheese to melt into the noodles, creating that perfect creamy texture under a crisp top. Some swear by using sausage for a deeper flavor, while others prefer keeping it vegetarian. Either way, it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of red wine, and you’re set.

2. Lasagna alla Bolognese

Lasagna alla Bolognese trades the usual tomato-heavy sauce for a slow-cooked meat ragù enriched with milk and wine. Between layers of fresh pasta sheets, béchamel sauce brings a silky balance to the hearty filling. The result is a casserole that’s both indulgent and refined. You’ll know it’s right when the edges turn golden and the layers hold their shape when sliced. It’s the kind of dish you prepare with patience and love—just as an Italian grandmother would. Pair it with a simple salad to keep the focus on the main event.

3. Eggplant Parmigiana

This dish is proof that a casserole doesn’t need meat to be satisfying. Thin slices of eggplant are lightly fried, then layered with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan before being baked until tender and bubbling. The key is draining and salting the eggplant beforehand to avoid sogginess. Every bite delivers that mix of tangy sauce, melted cheese, and silky eggplant that Italians have been perfecting for centuries. Serve it hot or at room temperature; it’s just as good the next day, maybe even better.

4. Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Bake

This rustic casserole celebrates the flavors of rural Tuscany. Cannellini beans, Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh rosemary come together under a drizzle of olive oil. Baked slowly, the beans turn creamy and absorb every bit of flavor from the sausage and herbs. It’s simple, satisfying, and best served straight from the oven with a piece of toasted bread to mop up the sauce. This is the kind of meal that feels both humble and deeply comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners.

5. Chicken Alfredo Bake

This Italian-American favorite turns creamy Alfredo pasta into a crowd-pleasing casserole. You combine penne or fettuccine with shredded chicken, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella. Once baked, it develops a golden crust that hides a soft, cheesy interior. To keep it balanced, use fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It’s indulgent but easy to prepare ahead, making it a go-to for busy nights when you still want something homey and satisfying.

6. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Cannelloni tubes stuffed with ricotta, spinach, and nutmeg make for one of Italy’s most comforting vegetarian dishes. Once filled, they’re nestled in a tomato or béchamel sauce and baked until tender. The contrast between the creamy filling and the tangy sauce makes each forkful rich yet light. It’s a classic you can prepare in advance and bake just before serving. The dish captures everything that’s great about Italian cooking simple ingredients transformed into something elegant through care and time.

7. Meatball and Polenta Casserole

This casserole layers tender meatballs over creamy, baked polenta with a generous topping of tomato sauce and melted cheese. The texture contrast is what makes it special: soft, buttery polenta supporting juicy, flavorful meatballs. It’s a comforting alternative to pasta and offers a bit of rustic flair. You can make it with beef, pork, or even turkey, and the leftovers reheat beautifully. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly the kind of dish Nonna would sneak you seconds of.

8. Rigatoni alla Norma Bake

This Sicilian-inspired casserole celebrates the classic pairing of pasta, eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata. The eggplant is roasted until tender before being tossed with rigatoni and a simple tomato sauce, then baked until everything melds together. What makes it shine is the balance of flavors—sweet tomato, smoky eggplant, and salty cheese. It’s vegetarian comfort food that still feels rich and layered, perfect for anyone craving bold Italian flavor without heavy meat sauces.

9. Seafood Pasta Gratin

This coastal Italian casserole combines shrimp, scallops, and bits of fish in a light cream sauce with pasta and breadcrumbs. Once baked, the top becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays creamy and delicate. A hint of lemon and parsley keeps it bright, cutting through the richness. It’s the kind of dish you might find in seaside towns, where seafood meets home cooking. It’s indulgent yet comforting, ideal for special dinners when you want to serve something memorable without much fuss.