Pizza Beans
These pizza beans are made with butter beans, crushed tomatoes, and melted mozzarella so every bite has that cheesy, saucy texture you expect from pizza, just without the crust. The beans stay creamy while the cheese melts over the top and browns slightly in the oven.
One pan, a handful of ingredients, and ready in under an hour. This works well for busy weeknights, meatless dinners, or when you want something warm you can scoop onto bread or eat straight from the pan.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy, saucy texture. The beans cook in a tomato base and get covered with melted cheese, giving you that pizza-style finish.
- Uses pantry ingredients. Most of the ingredients are shelf stable or easy to keep on hand.
- One pan cooking. Everything cooks in the same pan, which keeps cleanup manageable.
- Works for meatless meals. This is a plant based, vegetarian dinner that still feels filling.
Ingredients
These are the main ingredients used in pizza beans.
- yellow onion: Adds a base layer of flavor as it softens.
- olive oil: Helps cook the onion and carry the flavor through the dish.
- garlic: Adds a savory element that builds the sauce.
- dried herbs: Thyme, oregano, and parsley give the dish that pizza-style seasoning.
- crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a small amount of heat.
- crushed tomatoes: Creates the sauce the beans cook in.
- salt: Brings everything together.
- butter beans: The base of the dish, soft and creamy with good fiber and protein.
- mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for that classic pizza texture.
- parmesan: Adds a slightly sharper cheese layer.
- fresh basil: Added at the end for a finishing touch.
How to Make Pizza Baked Butter Beans
Step 1: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and starting to turn translucent.
Step 2: Add garlic, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook briefly until everything is combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and salt. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Stir in the butter beans and let everything cook together on low heat so the beans absorb some of the sauce.
Step 5: Top with mozzarella and parmesan, then transfer to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
Substitutions
- Cannellini beans instead of butter beans: Both have a similar texture and work well in this dish.
- Marinara instead of crushed tomatoes and spices: Use about 3 ½ cups of marinara to save time and skip the seasoning step.
- Garlic powder instead of fresh garlic: Use about ½ teaspoon if you don't have fresh garlic.
- Italian seasoning instead of individual herbs: Use 1-2 teaspoons in place of thyme, oregano, and parsley.
Easy Diet-Friendly Swaps
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten free. Serve with gluten free bread or over polenta if needed.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant based mozzarella and parmesan alternative that melts well.
- Higher protein: Add chickpeas or lentils along with the butter beans for a more filling dish.
- Egg-free: This recipe is egg free as written, no changes needed.
- Higher fiber: Use a mix of white beans and chickpeas or lentils to increase fiber.
What to Serve with Pizza Butter Beans
These pizza beans are most often served scooped onto toasted or grilled bread so you can soak up the sauce. They also work well over polenta or alongside a simple salad if you want to balance things out.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through. This also reheats well the next day.
FAQs
Can I make pizza with beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and beans ahead, then add the cheese and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned butter beans or other white beans work well. Just drain and rinse before using.
Can I freeze pizza beans?
Yes, freeze before adding the cheese for best results. Add cheese when reheating and bake until melted.
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Easy Pizza Beans
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cooked butter beans or other white beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and starting to turn translucent.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30-60 seconds until everything is combined and fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and salt. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the butter beans and stir to coat. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes so the beans absorb the sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. For extra browning, broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm with toasted bread or over polenta.
Notes
Nutrition
I am not a nutritionist or physician. Any nutrition calculation are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
