Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty cannellini beans with a savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something cozy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. (or more) kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 (14.5-oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into about 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add the granulated sugar for sweetness if desired.
4. Step 4: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
5. Step 5: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top of the beans. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbling and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Try swapping cannellini beans for other white beans like great northern or navy beans.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top just before serving for extra flavor complexity.
• If you prefer a meatier version, stir in cooked Italian sausage with the beans.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain sauce consistency during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes by roughly chopping 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes and cooking them down until they break apart and release their juices. This will create a fresh sauce but may require a bit more simmering time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Pizza Beans Skillet contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

This Pizza Beans Skillet recipe combines creamy cannellini beans with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by classic pizza flavors, this dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal with a hint of spice and fresh basil aroma.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Tomato Sauce

• 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar (optional)

Beans and Cheese

• 2 (14.5-oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep Tomatoes: Pour the canned whole tomatoes with their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into approximately 1/2-inch pieces and set aside. This helps create a rustic texture for the sauce.
2. Cook Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it darkens in color and starts to stick slightly to the skillet bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of the sauce.
3. Simmer Sauce: Add the torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the sauce and add granulated sugar if a sweeter balance is desired.
4. Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. This makes the beans absorb the seasoned tomato sauce fully.
5. Broil with Cheese: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and browned to your preference. This step adds the classic pizza cheese topping experience.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the broiler and top with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and fresh finishing touch. Serve warm directly from the skillet as a hearty vegetarian main dish.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred, but it may require slightly longer broiling time.
• This dish can also be prepared in an oven-safe skillet for easier broiling.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure all ingredients, especially tomato paste, are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: pizza beans, skillet recipe, vegetarian dinner, tomato sauce with beans, easy stovetop meal, melted mozzarella dish, Italian-inspired skillet, cannellini beans recipe