Description
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake brings comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens to your dinner table. Creamy beans nestled under a golden cheese crust make this simple dish a weeknight winner that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup (85 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 (28 oz / 794 g) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: chopped spinach or kale
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Grab a skillet that can go from stovetop to oven. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium temperature, warming it until it shimmers.
- Drop the finely diced yellow onion into the hot oil, stirring for 5 minutes until the pieces turn soft and translucent.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves directly into the skillet and cook for exactly 1 minute, releasing their fragrant aroma without burning.
- Pour the entire 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes into the skillet. Crush them roughly with your wooden spoon, breaking them into smaller chunks.
- Season the tomato mixture with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered at medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, watching it reduce and thicken into a rich consistency.
- Add both 15-ounce cans of drained white beans, stirring gently to coat them completely in the tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese across the top of the mixture, creating an even layer of dairy goodness.
- Transfer the entire skillet into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven, baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Optional: Switch oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the dish to settle and flavors to meld.
- Scatter fresh basil or parsley on top before serving this steaming, aromatic comfort dish.
Notes
- Swap out traditional canned tomatoes with fire-roasted varieties for a deeper, smokier flavor profile in your dish.
- Select a high-quality, creamy mozzarella that melts smoothly to ensure your cheese creates a gorgeous golden-brown top.
- For a protein boost, consider adding crumbled Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken during the bean warming stage.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensuring your canned beans are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg