Description
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring creamy white beans simmered with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a main course, this flavorful bake is easy to prepare and delicious served with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Beans and Vegetables
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Combine Beans and Tomatoes: Add the drained white beans and canned diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer on the stovetop for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and blends together beautifully.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the bean and tomato mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Serve this bake with crusty bread, cooked pasta, or rice for a more filling meal.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or chopped kale during the simmering step.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the dish and make baking easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
