Description
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish featuring tender white beans simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make bake combines hearty ingredients with fresh herbs, perfect served as a main with crusty bread or as a side with grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Sauce
- 2 cans (15-ounce each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare tomato sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with juices, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
- Add beans: Stir the drained white beans into the tomato sauce until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer and top: Move the bean and tomato mixture into a lightly greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve as a vegetarian main dish with crusty bread or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or kale into the tomato mixture before baking.
- Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
