Name: Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150g); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This comforting and easy cheesy white bean tomato bake is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining creamy cannellini beans with savory tomatoes and melted cheese, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

A close-up of a black skillet filled with baked white beans covered in a golden-brown melted cheese layer that is bubbly and slightly crispy on top, with some fresh green thyme leaves scattered over the surface, showing the thick texture of the beans underneath the cheese. A silver spoon is scooping beans from the right side, revealing soft beans mixed with rich sauce below the cheese. The skillet is placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150g)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serving.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat.
You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern or navy beans if preferred.
Try adding chopped spinach or kale before baking for extra greens.
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a round black pan filled with a baked dish of white beans with melted cheese on top. The dish has two main layers: a thick, bubbly golden-brown cheese layer with darker browned spots on top and a layer of creamy white beans underneath mixed with some orange sauce, visible where a silver spoon scoops some out on the right side of the pan. Small green herb sprigs are scattered on top for garnish. The pan sits on 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 make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use olive oil or a plant-based butter to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the tomato and bean mixture in advance, store it in the refrigerator, then top with cheese and bake just before serving.