Beans Parmesan is the perfect cozy baked dinner when you want something hearty, comforting, and packed with rich Italian-inspired flavor. Creamy cannellini beans simmer in a garlicky tomato sauce, then get topped with mozzarella, Parmesan breadcrumbs, and fresh basil for an easy family-style meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, cheesy, and comforting
- Easy one-skillet baked dinner
- Budget-friendly pantry recipe
- Packed with protein and fiber from cannellini beans
- Crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds incredible texture
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices and stir well. Simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup Parmesan, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the cannellini beans and remaining Parmesan into the tomato sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Top the Beans Parmesan mixture evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Add spinach or kale for extra vegetables.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- Swap cannellini beans with great northern beans or butter beans.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, Meatless
Notes
- Add cooked turkey ham or beef sausage for a heartier variation.
- A sprinkle of extra basil before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
- This recipe pairs well with green salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 9g
FAQ
What beans work best for Beans Parmesan?
Cannellini beans are ideal because they are creamy and hold their shape well during baking.
Can I make Beans Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato and bean mixture ahead and bake just before serving.
Is Beans Parmesan freezer-friendly?
Yes, store cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but canned whole peeled tomatoes provide deeper flavor and consistency.
What should I serve with Beans Parmesan?
Serve it with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Similar Recipes
Easy Beans Parmesan
Beans Parmesan is a comforting baked cannellini bean recipe with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs.Easy one-skillet vegetarian dinner.Perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices and stir well. Simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup Parmesan, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the cannellini beans and remaining Parmesan into the tomato sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Top the Beans Parmesan mixture evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked turkey ham or beef sausage for a heartier variation.
- A sprinkle of extra basil before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
- This recipe pairs well with green salad or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Beans Parmesan is a simple yet incredibly satisfying baked bean recipe filled with comforting tomato sauce, creamy beans, and irresistible melted cheese. Whether you serve it as a cozy dinner or hearty side dish, this easy skillet recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.