Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This comforting and easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a warm, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. It combines creamy cannellini beans with savory tomatoes and melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare.

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 the 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.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cannellini beans and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs.
• Swap mozzarella for a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• You can add cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and umami.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.

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. For best texture, avoid overheating the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of cannellini?

Yes, white beans like great northern or navy beans work well as substitutes in this recipe.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the beans and cheese might change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender cannellini beans, rich crushed tomatoes, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a simple, oven-baked casserole perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• 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
• 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150g)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time the dish is ready for baking.
2. Sauté the onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Simmer the tomato base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Incorporate the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and combine flavors.
6. Prepare for baking: Transfer the bean and tomato mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Add the cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy crust.
8. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
9. Rest and garnish: Let the bake sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute cannellini beans with cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering the tomato sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat cheese.
• This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: white bean bake, cheesy casserole, cannellini beans, tomato bake, easy vegetarian dinner, baked casserole, comfort food, Italian cheese bake