Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender cannellini beans with a rich tomato sauce and melty cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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 tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear them into about 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in 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 reserved tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Taste the sauce and add granulated sugar if you want more sweetness.
6. Step 6: Add the drained cannellini beans and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more; season with salt if needed.
7. Step 7: Preheat your broiler to high. Top the beans with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Broil, watching closely, until cheese is bubbling and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Try swapping cannellini beans for chickpeas or white kidney beans for a different texture.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil or parsley can also add a nice herbaceous note.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover Pizza Beans Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes can be used in place of whole tomatoes. Just drain some of the excess liquid if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Absolutely. Simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

Pizza Beans Skillet is a delicious, hearty one-pan meal that combines tender cannellini beans with a rich tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasonings, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Finished quickly under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Tomato Sauce Base

• 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 the tomatoes: Pour the canned whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside to use later in the sauce.
2. Sauté garlic and tomato paste: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking and stirring constantly until it darkens and begins to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes, to develop a deeper flavor.
3. Cook the tomato sauce: Add the reserved torn tomatoes along with 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 to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the sauce and add the optional granulated sugar to balance acidity if desired.
4. Add beans and warm through: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans into the tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
5. Broil with cheese: Preheat your broiler on high. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbly and turns golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning.
6. Serve with basil: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your pizza-inspired skillet meal hot.

Notes

• Use whole peeled tomatoes for a fresh texture; crushing by hand keeps sauce chunky.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
• The optional sugar balances acidity but can be omitted if you prefer a tangier sauce.
• If you don’t have a broiler, you can place the skillet in a preheated 425°F oven to melt and brown the cheese.
• Fresh basil adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried oregano or parsley if unavailable.
• This dish works well as a vegetarian main course with ample protein from beans and cheese.

Keywords: pizza beans skillet, cannellini bean recipe, skillet dinner, easy vegetarian skillet, Italian skillet recipe, one-pan meal, melted mozzarella beans