Dinner

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

ByThomas Greene February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cannellini beans with a rich, homemade tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying snack.

The image shows a deep red cast iron skillet filled with a baked dish made up of three main layers: at the bottom, a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce mixed with soft white beans visible throughout; in the middle, a generous spread of melted creamy yellow and white cheese, bubbly and slightly golden on top; and garnished with several fresh green basil leaves scattered on the surface. A woman's hand is lifting one cheesy, saucy piece from the pan, with strings of melted cheese stretching from the pan to the slice. The skillet sits on a white marbled textured surface, with small bowls of spices in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces using your hands and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens and begins to stick to the skillet bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the torn tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 6: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the beans in the skillet.
Step 7: Place the skillet under the broiler and watch closely as the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor twist.
Swap cannellini beans for navy or great northern beans if preferred.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain the cheesy topping, you can briefly broil again before serving.

How to Serve

A gray plate holds a warm dish made of white beans in a thick red tomato sauce layer at the bottom, covered by a generous layer of melted white cheese that stretches as a woman’s hand lifts a piece of crisp toasted bread topped with the same beans, cheese, and a small fresh green basil leaf. The cheese looks creamy and gooey, with some red pepper flakes sprinkled on top of the cheese layer. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The tomato and bean base remains flavorful on its own.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used; peel and chop about 1.5 to 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. It might take a bit longer to cook down into a sauce, but it will still be delicious.