Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender beans with a rich tomato sauce and melty cheese. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something hearty and delicious.

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 and 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. Tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces using clean hands, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook constantly, until it darkens and begins to stick to the skillet bottom, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the torn tomatoes, oregano, crushed 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 reduces and slightly thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add sugar for sweetness if desired.
4. Step 4: Stir in the drained beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
5. Step 5: Preheat your broiler to high. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the bean mixture. Broil, watching closely, until the cheese bubbles and browns, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
• Try substituting cannellini beans with navy or great northern beans.
• Add chopped pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for a meatier version.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover pizza beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. To refresh the cheese topping, you can broil for a minute after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work fine. Just make sure they are drained slightly if very watery to avoid thinning the sauce too much.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your tomato paste and canned products do not contain any gluten additives. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 97 reviews

A hearty and flavorful one-pan Pizza Beans Skillet featuring tender cannellini beans simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, finished under the broiler for a bubbly golden crust and garnished with fresh basil.

• Author: Maya
• 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 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 Tomatoes: Pour the whole tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into approximately 1/2-inch pieces and set aside for later use.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook while stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it darkens and begins to stick to the bottom of the skillet, around 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 the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add granulated sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
4. Add Beans and Heat Through: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes until the beans are heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
5. Broil with Cheese: Preheat the broiler to high. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and finely grated Parmesan evenly over the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and watch carefully as the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns, 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 bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• The granulated sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and broiling.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh oregano or parsley depending on preference.
• This dish can be served as a main or a side and goes well with crusty bread.

Keywords: pizza beans skillet, cannellini beans recipe, tomato sauce skillet, easy vegetarian dinner, one-pan meal