Jump To Recipeby Liz Thomson
March 9, 2022This post may contain affiliate links.
These cheesy white beans are simmered with garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes then topped with gooey mozzarella for a delicious, meatless main dish.
I jokingly started calling this recipe “pizza beans” because the flavors remind me of a slice of pizza, especially with the gooey mozzarella on top. I think this could be a kid-friendly recipe since it has a lot of familiar flavors. This recipe is also a great way to turn a few pantry staples into a delicious, filling meal.
The Best Skillet for Cheesy White Beans
I recommend using a cast iron skillet for this recipe. If you want to achieve bubbly, brown mozzarella, you’ll need to put this under the broiler. Keep in mind that non-stick skillets (even oven-safe skillets) typically cannot be used under a broiler. Be sure to check if you have a broiler-safe pan before you begin. I used a cast iron skillet so I could easily move it from the stovetop to the broiler. Finishing this in the oven for a few minutes lets the cheese get perfectly melty.
If none of your pans can be used under the broiler, don’t fear! You can still enjoy this dish on the stovetop with creamy white beans and melty mozzarella. Simply cover the skillet with a lid and continue to cook over low on the stovetop to allow the mozzarella to melt for 2-3 minutes, then serve.
White Bean Varieties
There are a variety of white beans and many of them will work for this recipe. I used great northern beans but you can use navy beans, cannellini beans, or baby lima beans. I don’t recommend using large butter beans, which are a bit too firm and meaty for this recipe.
How to Make Cheesy White Beans
originally posted March 9, 2022 (updated January 27, 2023)by Liz Thomson categories:Dinner15 comments
Cannellini beans have always been my favorite because of their mild, buttery flavor but you had me sold at “pizza beans”! I made this for my family and there were no leftovers. Will definitely be making this again.
I was looking forward to making this for dinner tonight until I looked at the nutritional values, The calories, fat, carbs,,,,,,,,,,,,all too high for human consumption. I am a diabetic, and would not dare eat this. Too bad………I was looking forward to it.
Hey there! I’m sorry about that- for some reason the nutritional label was showing the nutritional information for the entire recipe, not per serving. I’ve updated that information. Thank you for letting me know! I hope you’re able to try this recipe.
Cannellini beans have always been my favorite because of their mild, buttery flavor but you had me sold at “pizza beans”! I made this for my family and there were no leftovers. Will definitely be making this again.
As a vegetarian, I’m always looking for new meal ideas and this turned out really great. Thanks for the idea!
Dreamy, gooey, melty, soooo yummy – I found this recipe on Pinterest and am kind of obsessed. Thanks so much for the recipe Liz!
Simple, hearty, and satisfying. Topped with gooey mozzarella for a delicious, meatless main dish. Very delicious too.
This is such a tasty meatless Monday dish! I love the fire roasted tomatoes, they add a wicked flavor.
Good and easier a different cheese works better because it melts
I’m not seeing updated nutritional values, info provided appears to still be for more than one serving.
Gotta make this one TODAY!
I hope you try it!!
Is the sodium for one serving truly 73% of the daily value? Yikes!
I was looking forward to making this for dinner tonight until I looked at the nutritional values, The calories, fat, carbs,,,,,,,,,,,,all too high for human consumption. I am a diabetic, and would not dare eat this. Too bad………I was looking forward to it.
Hey there! I’m sorry about that- for some reason the nutritional label was showing the nutritional information for the entire recipe, not per serving. I’ve updated that information. Thank you for letting me know! I hope you’re able to try this recipe.