Description

This Pizza Beans Skillet is a delightful and hearty dish featuring tender cannellini beans simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and a hint of crushed red pepper. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust, this skillet meal is perfect for a comforting vegetarian dinner served with fresh basil leaves.

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 cheese
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

Prepare Tomatoes: Pour tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside to use later in the sauce.
Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add the reserved torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer. Stir occasionally while the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the sauce and add granulated sugar if more sweetness is desired.
Add Beans: Stir the drained and rinsed cannellini beans into the sauce until well combined. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
Broil Cheese Topping: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook, monitoring closely, until the cheese bubbles and browns, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting main dish.

Notes

You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern or navy beans if preferred.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
The granulated sugar is optional and used to balance acidity from the tomatoes; feel free to omit.
If you do not have a broiler, you can finish the dish by baking in a hot oven at 450°F for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pizza beans, skillet recipe, cannellini beans, vegetarian dinner, tomato sauce, easy skillet meal, broiled cheese topping