If you are craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the best of pizza flavors and hearty beans, you have to try this incredible Pizza Beans Bake Recipe. It’s a delightful, cheesy casserole that combines tender butter and cannellini beans with the classic zest of pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella, creating a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. This dish is not just flavorful but also wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a true favorite to share over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pizza Beans Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing a unique texture, flavor, or pop of color to the dish. From the savory herbs and fresh vegetables to the gooey cheeses and hearty beans, these components come together beautifully to create an irresistible bake.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced): Provides sweetness and depth to the base.
- ½ green bell pepper (finely diced): Brings crunch and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic warmth and that classic savory kick.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, herbal note reminiscent of traditional pizza.
- 1 (16 ounce) can butter beans (drained and rinsed): Gives a creamy texture and gentle flavor.
- 1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): Adds heartiness and protein.
- 1 (8 ounce) can pizza sauce: Delivers the trademark tang and spiciness.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce: Balances the pizza sauce with smooth tomato flavor.
- ½ cup mini pepperoni (or chopped salami, plus more for topping): Provides bold, meaty bites and classic pizza flavor.
- 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible, stretchy surface.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Pizza Beans Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat for Perfection
Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to create that perfect baking environment. Preheating ensures the cheese melts just right and your beans bake evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. This base layer builds the flavor foundation you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Oregano
Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano to the skillet. Cook for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas that hint at the delicious meal ahead.
Step 4: Combine Beans and Sauces
Next, mix in the butter beans, cannellini beans, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and half of the pepperoni. Let everything simmer gently for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the ingredients meld together into one cohesive, saucy masterpiece.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top, adding extra pepperoni if you like your bake extra meaty. This cheesy layer will bubble and brown beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly. This step creates the comforting crust that makes this recipe so special.
Step 7: Rest and Ready
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief pause helps everything set slightly, making it easier to scoop out generous portions of your delicious Pizza Beans Bake Recipe.
How to Serve Pizza Beans Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the bake. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of chili oil can also give an exciting finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty bake alongside crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the warm, cheesy beans perfectly and round out the meal with contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Pizza Beans Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a personal touch or spoon it over crusty bread as a rustic pizza-inspired bean stew. It also works as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or even pasta for an inventive comfort food mashup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Beans Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well when tightly covered. Freeze in individual portions or the whole skillet for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for effortless meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until bubbly or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to bring back the melty, cheesy goodness without drying out the beans.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While butter beans and cannellini beans give a creamy texture, you can substitute with navy beans or great northern beans if preferred. The key is choosing beans that hold their shape but are tender.
What if I want to make this vegetarian?
Simply leave out the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian or vegan pepperoni alternatives. Adding mushrooms or olives also boosts flavor and texture without meat.
Is it okay to use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes! If you have a favorite homemade pizza sauce, it will only enhance the freshness and personalization of this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and thick enough to coat the beans nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare all the components up to Step 5, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add the cheese and toppings before baking for a fresh finish.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Provolone or fontina are great meltable cheeses to experiment with, offering slightly different flavors and creaminess that can make the Pizza Beans Bake Recipe exciting in new ways.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Beans Bake Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every cheesy, savory bite as much as I do!
Print
Pizza Beans Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Pizza Beans is a hearty and flavorful oven-baked dish combining tender butter beans, cannellini beans, and savory pizza ingredients like pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings the classic flavors of pizza to a protein-packed bean base.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Beans
- 1 (16 ounce) can butter beans (or large lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans (or white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
Pizza Sauce & Toppings
- 1 (8 ounce) can pizza sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup mini pepperoni (or chopped salami, plus more for topping)
- 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Herb: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to develop flavor.
- Add Beans and Sauces: Mix in the drained butter beans and cannellini beans, then add the pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and mini pepperoni. Simmer together for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all flavors well.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Evenly top the bean mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra pepperoni on top if desired for more flavor and presentation.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cheeses have melted and turned a lightly golden color.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle before serving. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top when serving.
Notes
- You can use chopped salami as an alternative to mini pepperoni if preferred.
- Use either butter beans or large lima beans interchangeably based on availability.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and consider adding mushrooms or olives instead.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the beans absorb flavors better and prevents burns from hot cheese.
