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Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Pizza Beans Skillet combines hearty cannellini beans simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful twist on pizza flavors in a skillet form, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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

Beans and Cheese

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

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes: Pour the whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside for later use 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 for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly until the paste darkens and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Simmer tomato 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 it simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the sauce and add granulated sugar for sweetness if desired.
  4. Add beans and heat through: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, combining well with the sauce. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through, around 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  5. Broil with cheese: Preheat your broiler on high. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and watch closely as the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves before serving for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Use whole canned tomatoes for a chunkier, fresher sauce texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to taste.
  • If you don’t have a broiler, you can place the skillet in a preheated oven at 450°F to melt and brown the cheese.
  • Serve this dish with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Make sure your skillet is oven-safe before using under the broiler.

Keywords: Pizza Beans Skillet, cannellini beans recipe, tomato skillet, cheesy bean skillet, quick Italian dinner