7-Ingredient Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dish evenly.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of the dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- 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.
- 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
