Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender cannellini beans with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s an easy, hearty 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 tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into about 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened and starting to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the torn tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the beans. Broil, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbling and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from the heat and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni for extra protein and taste.
• If you like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
• For a vegetarian boost, stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

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. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of cannellini?

Yes, white beans like navy or Great Northern work well, or you can try chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to broil the cheese on top?

Broiling adds a nice bubbly, browned finish, but you can also just melt the cheese over low heat. The dish will still be delicious, just less visually crisp on top.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pizza Beans Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender cannellini beans in a rich, homemade tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and finished under the broiler for a perfect golden crust, this comforting skillet meal is served garnished with fresh basil for a fresh herbal note.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Tomatoes: Pour the whole 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.
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, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it darkens in color and starts to stick slightly to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add the reserved torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
4. Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beans are heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
5. Broil with Cheese: Preheat the oven broiler to high. Evenly top the bean mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil carefully, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor; alternatively, you can substitute with dried basil added earlier in the sauce.
• If you don’t have cannellini beans, great northern beans or navy beans can be substituted.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Broiling times vary by oven; watch carefully to prevent burning.
• This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pizza beans, skillet recipe, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, vegetarian skillet, easy dinner, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, fresh basil