Hearty White Bean Casserole Recipe: Comforting Goodness

Comfort takes center stage with this hearty white bean casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Rustic and soul-satisfying, the dish blends simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

Creamy white beans mingle with aromatic herbs and savory seasonings, creating a culinary experience that feels like a loving embrace.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Herbs and spices dance through each layer, building depth and richness.

Each forkful tells a story of home-cooked goodness and culinary passion.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

White Bean Casserole Highlights

• A hearty white bean casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Packed with protein-rich white beans, nutrient-dense spinach, and vibrant tomatoes, this dish delivers a wholesome meal in one simple preparation.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or when you want a delicious vegetarian option that pleases everyone from kids to adults.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different beans, cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.

Gathering Ingredients for White Bean Casserole

• White Beans: Protein-rich legumes that provide a creamy texture and hearty base for the casserole.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense leafy green that adds color, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish.
• Tomatoes, Chopped: Fresh tomatoes that create a rich, tangy sauce for the casserole.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add bursts of flavor and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Onion, Chopped: Adds depth and sweetness to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Garlic, Minced: Contributes a pungent and aromatic element to the recipe.
• Italian Seasonings: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild, warm spiciness to complement other flavors.

• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that completes the casserole.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

Tools Needed for White Bean Casserole Night

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and creating the flavorful base.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Casserole Dish: Needed for baking the final white bean mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings and salt.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for grating fresh cheese topping.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during baking.

Instructions for White Bean Casserole Prep

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring and sautéing until the onion becomes soft and see-through, releasing its sweet aroma.

Step 2: Awaken the Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Let the spices dance briefly, then introduce tomato paste and let it sizzle for half a minute, intensifying the depth of flavors.

Step 3: Tomato Transformation

Tumble chopped tomatoes into the skillet, adding a pinch of salt.

Let them simmer and break down for 8-10 minutes until they turn mushy.

Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until they’re partially softened.

Step 4: Build the Hearty Core

Add white beans and fresh spinach to the skillet.

Let them mingle and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spinach to gracefully wilt and embrace the surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Create the Comforting Finale

Transfer the vibrant mixture to a casserole dish.

Generously sprinkle cheese on top, then cover with foil.

Slide into a preheated oven at 400F (200C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

White Bean Casserole Success Tips

• Choose fresh, creamy white beans like cannellini or great northern for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Toast Italian seasonings briefly in oil before adding other ingredients to release their aromatic oils and enhance overall taste.
• Gently squeeze excess water from spinach to prevent the casserole from becoming watery and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Let cheese brown slightly during the last 5-10 minutes of baking by removing the foil, creating a golden, crispy topping.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for an even more delicious result.

White Bean Casserole Flavor Options

• Protein Power Swap: Replace white beans with chickpeas or lentils for a different protein profile and slightly nutty flavor.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrient density and robust green taste.
• Vegan Friendly: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative instead of regular cheese to create a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free seasonings to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.

How to Serve White Bean Casserole

• Mediterranean Meal Partner: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread to soak up delicious tomato-bean sauce.
• Protein Power Plate: Add grilled chicken or fish on top for a hearty protein boost that complements the casserole's flavors.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley right before serving to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and add a bright green touch.
• Creamy Companion: Dollop Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to create a cool, tangy contrast with the warm, spicy casserole.

Storage for White Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, add 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried white beans. Soak them overnight, then cook until tender before adding to the recipe. This might increase your total cooking time.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the white bean casserole is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be made vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives.

• What type of white beans work best?

Cannellini beans or great northern beans are ideal for this casserole. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that complements the dish.

• How spicy is this casserole with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, increase the quantity slightly.

White Bean Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty white bean casserole embodies Mediterranean comfort with rustic charm. Creamy beans, herbs, and rich aromatics create a soul-warming dish perfect for sharing with loved ones.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters/24 fluid ounces) cooked white beans
• 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters/12 fluid ounces) cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2.5 cups (200 grams) chopped spinach

Seasonings & Aromatics:

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Topping & Oil:

• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and garlic until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Introduce Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Quickly stir in tomato paste and allow it to bloom for approximately 30 seconds, intensifying the flavor profile.
3. Incorporate chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt, simmering for 8-10 minutes until they break down and create a rich, chunky sauce. Add whole cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, allowing them to soften but retain some texture.
4. Fold white beans and fresh spinach into the tomato mixture, stirring gently. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt and beans to absorb the surrounding flavors.
5. Transfer the vibrant mixture to a casserole dish, generously sprinkle cheese across the top, and shield with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for roughly 30 minutes, creating a bubbling, golden-topped dish.

Notes

• Choose canned white beans without added salt to control sodium levels in the dish.
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version, like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese.
• Roast cherry tomatoes beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and concentrate flavors.
• Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for varied nutritional profiles and textures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg