Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of tomato sauce with creamy cannellini beans and melted cheese. It’s a simple, hearty skillet meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.

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

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 finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens and begins 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 to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and slightly thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
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 over the top of the beans. Broil closely until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the broiler and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni slices for a meaty version.
• Serve over toasted bread or with crusty garlic bread for a filling meal.
• Swap mozzarella for smoked provolone for a richer cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid reheating under the broiler again as the beans may dry out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, white beans such as Great Northern or navy beans work well as substitutes for cannellini beans in this recipe.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as any added toppings or sides, like bread, are also gluten-free.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

Pizza Beans Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender cannellini beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and melted cheeses. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly golden crust, this dish brings the comfort of pizza flavors into a warm, satisfying skillet meal perfect for any time of day.

• Author: Ella
• 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 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. (or more) kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar (optional)

Beans & Cheese

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

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

1. 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 for later use in the sauce.
2. Sauté garlic and tomato paste: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste darkens and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet.
3. Simmer tomato sauce: Add the prepared tomatoes with their juices, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until it reduces and slightly thickens. Taste the sauce and add granulated sugar if you prefer more sweetness.
4. Add and heat beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
5. Broil with cheese: Preheat the broiler to high. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the bean and tomato mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbling and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and top the dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal.

Notes

• Use whole canned tomatoes for better texture and flavor when simmering the sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil or parsley can be used as a substitute garnish.
• The granulated sugar is optional and can be adjusted depending on the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Watch the broiler closely as the cheese can burn quickly.
• This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: pizza beans skillet, cannellini beans recipe, tomato and bean skillet, easy vegetarian skillet, cheesy bean skillet