Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the zest of tomato sauce with creamy cannellini beans and melted cheese. It’s a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a simple, satisfying skillet 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 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. 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 chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the reserved tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat 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 for sweetness if desired.
5. Step 5: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
6. Step 6: Preheat the broiler to high. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the beans in the skillet. Broil, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbling and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from the broiler and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Substitute cannellini beans with great northern or navy beans for a slightly different texture.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned during the summer for a brighter flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans like great northern or navy beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding to the skillet.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Watch the skillet closely while broiling, as cheese can brown quickly. Keep the skillet a few inches below the broiler and remove it as soon as the cheese bubbles and turns golden, usually within 1 to 2 minutes.

Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

Pizza Beans Skillet is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cannellini beans simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic touch to this simple stovetop skillet meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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

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. 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 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 to use in your sauce.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Simmer Sauce: Add the prepared tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower to medium-low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the sauce and stir in granulated sugar if you want more sweetness.
4. Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans until well combined. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
5. Broil with Cheese: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the beans in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• Use canned whole tomatoes for a rich texture but you can substitute crushed tomatoes if preferred.
• Keep a close eye on the dish when broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
• If you don’t have cannellini beans, great northern or navy beans make good substitutes.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance level for a milder or spicier dish.
• Serving suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Pizza Beans, Cannellini Beans, Tomato Sauce, Skillet Meal, Easy Dinner, Italian-Inspired, Cheese, Broiler