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Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe

4.7 from 123 reviews

This Pizza Beans Skillet is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender cannellini beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. It’s an easy and comforting skillet meal inspired by classic pizza flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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 tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Using clean hands, tear the tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens and begins to stick to the bottom of the skillet, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add the reserved torn tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. 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 if you prefer a touch more sweetness.
  4. Add Beans and Heat Through: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans until combined. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until 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 the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the bean mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from oven. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fragrant, fresh finish to the dish.

Notes

  • Use canned whole tomatoes for a rich and chunky sauce; fresh tomatoes can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Keep a close eye under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • The granulated sugar is optional and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Serve this skillet dish with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: pizza beans skillet, cannellini beans recipe, tomato bean skillet, vegetarian skillet meal, Italian bean dish