Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/pizza-beans-skillet-recipe/
