Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake Recipe
A warm and comforting Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake featuring tender white beans simmered with garlic and tomato paste, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and perfectly browned in the oven. This simple yet flavorful dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern) or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ pound mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 ⅓ cups)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Heat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Cook Garlic and Tomato Paste: Once the oil is hot, fry the thinly sliced garlic until it turns lightly golden, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste carefully (watch for splashing) and fry for 30 seconds, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add Beans and Season: Stir in the drained white beans and boiling water. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir everything to combine well.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the coarsely grated mozzarella over the beans. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots.
- Broil for Extra Browning: If the cheese isn’t browned to your liking, place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a creamy, comforting meal or side dish.
Notes
- Use a heavy 10-inch ovenproof skillet for even cooking and easy transfer to the oven.
- Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- You can substitute the white beans with chickpeas for a different texture and taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when frying the garlic.
- This recipe pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: white bean bake, tomato paste, mozzarella cheese, baked white beans, easy bean casserole, Mediterranean beans
