Description
When you need a quick and satisfying dinner that delivers big on flavor, 3-Ingredient Pizza Beans are the perfect choice. With just beans, marinara sauce, and cheese, you can create a warm, gooey, and delicious meal that feels like comfort in a bowl. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy evenings.
Ingredients
- Two 15-ounce cans of cannellini or butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups jarred marinara sauce (such as Rao’s or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or pizza cheese blend)
- Optional: 1/2 cup ricotta cheese for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the beans and sauce:
- Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beans with the marinara sauce. Stir to coat the beans evenly.
- Assemble the dish:
- Spread the bean and sauce mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If using ricotta, dollop it throughout the dish before adding the shredded cheese.
- Add toppings (optional):
Customize your pizza beans with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, sliced red onions, banana peppers, or fresh basil. - Bake the pizza beans:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. - Serve and enjoy:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Pair with garlic bread, focaccia, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customizations: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Parmesan, or smoked provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pizza beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. Pizza beans also make a delicious topping for garlic toast!
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheese and ensure your marinara sauce is vegan-friendly for a plant-based version.
- Freezing: Pizza beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American