Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of tomatoes and herbs with creamy cannellini beans. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into about 1/2-inch pieces and 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, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and 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 over the beans. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook, watching closely, until the cheese bubbles and browns, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the broiler and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
• Try swapping cannellini beans for white kidney or great northern beans for a different texture.
• If you like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To refresh the melted cheese topping, you can place the skillet briefly under the broiler again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute canned whole tomatoes with fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped. Use about 3 to 4 large ripe tomatoes and cook them down similarly for best flavor.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, so it is not vegan. You can make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives or omitting the cheese topping altogether.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This Pizza Beans Skillet recipe combines tender cannellini beans with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and finished under the broiler for a golden crust, this skillet dish offers a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with a Mediterranean twist.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Tomatoes: Pour the canned whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using your hands, tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside for later use to maintain texture in the sauce.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook while stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it darkens and begins to stick slightly to the skillet’s bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes; this step deepens the flavor.
3. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add the torn tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Mix in the 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. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add optional granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
4. Add and Heat Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, combining them gently into the sauce. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for about 1 to 2 minutes until the beans are heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
5. Broil with Cheese: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the bean and tomato mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and watch closely, broiling for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and turns a golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm directly from the skillet.

Notes

• If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with a sprinkle of dried basil or fresh parsley.
• For extra protein, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the tomato sauce before adding the beans.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
• The sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
• Make sure to watch the broiler closely to prevent the cheese from burning.

Keywords: pizza beans skillet, vegetarian, cannellini beans recipe, skillet dinner, easy Mediterranean recipes, broiled cheese beans, one-pan meals