Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with rich tomato flavors, creamy white beans, and a melty cheese topping, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 15-ounce cans white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: 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 it thickens and develops flavor.
3. Step 3: Stir in the drained white beans, mixing until they are well coated with the sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale during step 3 for extra greens.
• Substitute white beans with chickpeas or navy beans if preferred.
• For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and broiling.

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. For best results, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep the sauce moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

No, if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the cooked sauce and beans to a baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling.

Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and quick 30-minute Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake combining fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, tender white beans, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main dish served with crusty bread or pasta, garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato and Bean Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. 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 minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
3. Add the White Beans: Stir in the drained white beans, mixing until they are well-coated with the tomato sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
4. Add Cheese & Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the bean and tomato mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven broiler and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and develops golden brown spots.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the bake hot alongside crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for added smoky flavor.
• Drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium content and avoid mushiness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
• Broil cheese carefully to prevent burning—keep an eye on it.
• Oven-safe skillet is essential for transitioning from stovetop to broiler.
• For a vegan version, substitute cheese with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Cheesy tomato bake, white bean recipe, vegetarian main dish, quick tomato casserole, fire-roasted tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan bake