Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This comforting and easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender cannellini beans, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s both simple to make and full of flavor.

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 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.
6. Step 6: Transfer the tomato and bean mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bake sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a mild kick.
• Substitute cannellini beans with great northern or navy beans if preferred.
• Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the skillet before baking for added nutrition.
• If you want a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.

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. The bake can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used if peeled and crushed, though canned crushed tomatoes provide a consistent texture and flavor year-round.

Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-based broths.

Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 97 reviews

This comforting and easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake combines creamy cannellini beans with flavorful tomatoes and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main dish or a side, it’s packed with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection, making it a warm, satisfying meal for any occasion.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes

Seasonings and Herbs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses

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

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your dish is ready to bake.
2. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook the onion for 4–5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, setting the flavor base for the bake.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it to preserve its aromatic qualities.
4. Simmer Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Mix in Beans: Stir the drained and rinsed cannellini beans into the tomato mixture and cook for another 2–3 minutes to warm through and combine tastes.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to prepare for the cheese topping.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the bean and tomato mixture, ensuring an even, generous layer for gooey, golden results.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, signaling it’s ready to serve.
9. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the bake sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic and good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Allow the bake to rest after cooking to avoid the cheese sliding off when serving.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes with the herbs.
• This dish pairs nicely with a crusty bread or a green salad.
• Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Keywords: cheesy bean bake, cannellini beans, tomato bake, vegetarian casserole, easy baked dish, Italian recipes, comfort food