Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the bean and tomato mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy crust.
- 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.
- 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
