Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bake is made with pantry staples and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of white beans, crushed tomatoes, and melty cheese is both hearty and flavorful. Plus, it’s customizable with different cheeses and veggies, and can easily be made vegan by swapping the cheese. You’ll love the warm, cheesy, and satisfying bite in every forkful.
Ingredients
For the Bean Bake:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add the White Beans: Stir in the drained white beans and mix until well-coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a green salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it vegan by substituting the cheese for dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast.
- Add protein by stirring in cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu.
- Boost the veggies by mixing in spinach, kale, or zucchini.
- Spice it up by adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
What type of beans work best?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes (about 4-5), but they will need to simmer longer to create a rich sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
How can I make this spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is a quick, hearty dish packed with creamy white beans, savory garlic tomato sauce, and melted cheese. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and versatile. Perfect as a main course or a side, this dish is both satisfying and customizable, with options for vegan or extra protein.
Ingredients
For the Bean Bake:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add the White Beans: Stir in the drained white beans and mix well to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a green salad.
Notes
- Make it vegan by swapping the cheese for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.
- Add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for extra protein.
- Boost the veggie content by incorporating spinach, kale, or zucchini into the bake.
- For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
