7-Ingredient Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This 7-Ingredient Cheesy White Bean Tomato dish is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines creamy beans with savory tomato and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a wholesome option that comes together quickly with pantry staples.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the tomatoes.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before transferring to the baking dish for added greens.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste if available.

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. This dish may thicken after refrigeration—add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze in an airtight container before baking or after baking and cooling. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

7-Ingredient Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 121 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make baked dish featuring creamy cannellini beans, flavorful crushed tomatoes, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. This 7-ingredient recipe is ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal that combines savory herbs with a rich, bubbly cheese crust.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Cheese Topping

• 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150g)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dish evenly.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, providing a flavorful base.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of the dish.
4. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors and reduce some liquid.
5. Add Beans: Stir in the drained cannellini beans, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow the beans to absorb the tomato and herb flavors.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bean and tomato mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to prepare for baking.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture to create a rich, cheesy layer.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the dish is cooked through and the topping is crispy.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when simmering the tomato sauce.
• To make the dish vegan, replace the cheeses with vegan alternatives.
• Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: white bean casserole, cheesy white beans, baked bean dish, easy vegetarian dinner, Italian bean recipe, mozzarella casserole