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cheesy white bean tomato bake Recipe

Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake

This Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a comforting and protein-packed vegetarian dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Creamy white beans mingle with a garlicky tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s simple, wholesome, and ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion about 150 g, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic about 15 g, minced
  • 2 cans cannellini or great northern beans 400 g each, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes 400 g (or use passata for a smoother texture)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese about 1 cup
  • 30 g grated parmesan cheese about 1/3 cup
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large oven-safe skillet or baking dish approx. 9x13 inches
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 can opener

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and just beginning to turn golden.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the drained beans, chopped tomatoes (or passata), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.
  8. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the bean and tomato mixture.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just beginning to brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the bake in advance up to step 7, then refrigerate and bake when ready to eat.
Use any white beans you love—navy, butter, or even chickpeas in a pinch.
For extra richness, add a splash of cream before baking, or top with a few spoonfuls of ricotta.
Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad.