This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is the kind of simple, cozy dinner that feels comforting without being heavy. Creamy white beans are baked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with bubbling melted cheese, and finished until golden and irresistible. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with pantry staples perfect for busy weeknights or meatless meals.

Whether you serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or as a side dish, this bake delivers bold flavor with very little effort. It’s proof that vegetarian meals can be just as satisfying as classic comfort foods.

If you’re looking for an easy, budget friendly recipe that feels warm and filling, this cheesy tomato white bean bake checks every box.

CHEESY WHITE BEAN TOMATO BAKE

What Is Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake?

Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is a simple oven baked dish made with tender white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) simmered in a seasoned tomato sauce and topped with cheese. Once baked, the beans absorb the sauce while the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer on top.

It’s often compared to baked pasta or casseroles, but this version is:

Naturally high in protein and fiber
Vegetarian and easy to customize
Faster than traditional casseroles
Made with pantry staples

This dish is popular because it’s filling, affordable, and incredibly versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High protein, meatless comfort food
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Easy one dish baking method
Cheesy, saucy, and deeply flavorful
Perfect for weeknights or meal prep

If you love easy dinners like One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese or Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

How This Recipe Works

White beans provide creamy texture and plant-based protein
Tomato sauce adds acidity that balances the cheese
Baking allows flavors to meld and thicken naturally
Cheese added on top creates a golden, bubbly finish
Minimal prep makes it ideal for busy schedules

ingredients for cheesy tomato white bean bake — Simple pantry staples come together to make this cheesy tomato white bean bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce Base

1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Optional Add-Ins

Fresh spinach or kale
Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

White Beans: Cannellini beans work best, but navy or great northern beans are great substitutes.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give a smooth sauce; diced tomatoes add texture.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts smoothly; parmesan adds salty depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.

melted cheese on tomato white bean bake — That golden, melty cheese layer is everything.

How to Make Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake

Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Beans

Stir drained white beans into the tomato sauce.

Let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes so beans absorb flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Bean Bake

Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
Don’t skip simmering the sauce it deepens flavor
Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much
Let bake rest briefly before serving for best texture
Taste and adjust seasoning before baking

Flavor Variations

Italian Style

Add sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.

Greens Loaded

Stir in spinach or kale before baking.

Extra Cheesy

Add provolone or fontina for richer flavor.

cheesy tomato white bean bake with bread — Serve it hot with crusty bread for the perfect comfort meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Assemble the bake up to 24 hours in advance
Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 4 days

Reheating

Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave
Add a spoon of water or sauce if needed

Serving Ideas

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
Spoon over cooked pasta or rice
Pair with a fresh green salad
Serve as a hearty vegetarian main or side

This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 360–400
Protein: 18–20g
Fiber: 10–12g
Fat: 14–16g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining beans well (watery bake)
Overbaking until dry
Using pre-shredded cheese only
Skipping seasoning in the sauce
Serving immediately without resting

FAQs About Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake

Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but texture is best when fresh. Freeze before baking if possible.

What beans work best?
Cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.

Can I add meat?
Yes. Cooked sausage or ground turkey works well.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is cozy, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein — all made with simple ingredients and minimal prep. It’s the perfect meatless comfort food that feels indulgent while still being wholesome and nourishing.

If you love easy dinners like Easy Lasagna Cups or Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Save this Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake for a cozy, high protein dinner that’s easy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights.

Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake

This Cheesy Tomato White Bean Bake is cozy, hearty, and full of rich, savory flavor. Creamy white beans simmer in a garlicky tomato sauce, then get topped with melty cheese that turns golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s an easy, comforting dish that works beautifully as a main or a satisfying side.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 410 kcal