Description
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a warm, comforting casserole featuring tender cannellini beans in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines sautéed onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs, then bakes to cheesy perfection, making it a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetable Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheeses & Garnish
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which helps to build the dish’s flavor base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Incorporate Beans: Add the drained cannellini beans to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the tomato and bean mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top to create a rich cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Rest: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set and cool slightly for easy serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes during the tomato simmer step.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
