Comforting and Easy Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to prepare for the cheese topping.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
