Pizza Beans (7 Ingredients)
f you’ve ever wished you could get all the cozy, cheesy flavors of pizza without turning on the oven or waiting on dough, you’re going to love these Pizza Beans. This one-skillet recipe tastes like your favorite slice, but it’s faster, heartier, and made with just 7 simple ingredients. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
As someone who’s been creating gluten free meals for years, I’m always finding new ways to enjoy my favorite comfort foods. I came up with this recipe after realizing that my love for veggie pizza, could easily turn into a hearty, protein-packed meal. These cheesy marinara beans have been a staple in my kitchen ever since, and they’re just as good served with crusty gluten free bread, over toast, or even on a toasted bagel with a little extra melted cheese on top.
If you love this easy, veggie-packed meal, you’ll also want to try my Tuscan White Bean Pasta, Instant Pot White Bean Soup, and Spicy White Bean Stew. Each one uses simple ingredients and big, bold flavors, perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Veggies (I used green bell pepper and red onion, as these are my favorite toppings for pizza) – Use whatever you love for pizza here
- Marinara – use your favorite sauce
- Cheese – I used vegan parmesan cheese. You could use regular parmesan or your favorite mozzarella cheese.
- Fresh basil – adds a fresh pop of flavor, you could also use fresh parsley or simply skip this.
- Bread or crackers – use your favorite crunchy bread or crackers for creating that pizza experience at home.
Don’t have marinara on hand?
The reason this recipe is so quick and easy is because we are using a jarred marinara sauce. If you want to make your own, check out my go to homemade spaghetti sauce recipe. It’s ready in just 2 minutes, and all you need is crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and spices.
How to make pizza beans
Sauté the bell pepper and red onion in a skillet over medium heat 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add marinara, beans salt and garlic powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes. After 5-6 minutes stir in half the parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Stir until cheese is melted. Turn off heat and add the rest of the cheese and basil. Serve on crackers or with crusty bread.
Recipe tips
- Use organic beans if possible, I find they are easier on your digestion.
- I have noticed that soaking canned beans in clean water for a few minutes really helps with digestion.
Pizza Beans Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- crusty bread or crackers - for serving
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 1 jar marinara sauce - (19-25 oz jar)
- 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained - 15 oz can
- 1 tsp salt - (or less depending on the sauce you use)
- 1 tsp garlic powder - (or less depending on the sauce you use)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, divided - dairy free or regular
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil - optional
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium low heat. Preheat the oven to 350F if you are planning on toasting your bread in the oven, otherwise use a toaster or crackers for serving.
- Chop the bell pepper and red onion.1 medium green bell pepper, 1 medium red onion
- When hot, spray the skillet with oil (I used avocado oil) add the bell peppers and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until peppers start to soften.1 medium red onion, 1 medium green bell pepper
- Pour in the marinara sauce, white beans, salt and garlic powder into the pan with the peppers and onions. Stir well and cook for 5-6 minutes to let the beans absorb some flavor. At this point also put the bread in the oven or toaster oven to toast.1 jar marinara sauce, 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, crusty bread or crackers
- Stir in half the cheese and half the fresh basil. Continue to stir until cheese is melted.1/3 cup parmesan cheese, divided
- Take off the heat and add the rest of the cheese and fresh basil right before serving.2 tbsp fresh chopped basil, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, divided
- Serve with toasted bread or crackers.
Recipe Notes
-
- Rinse and drain the white beans well before adding to the sauce.
- Use whatever white beans you have on hand, great northern white beans, cannellini beans, gigante or butter beans
- Be sure to use a marinara sauce that you love, since it provides most of the flavor of the dish.
Nutrition Information
Other additions to try
This recipe is delicioius as written, but it’s also super easy to customize! Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up:
Add protein:
- Pepperoni, cooked sausage, ground turkey (or chicken) – after stirring in the cheese, top with pepperoni and more parmesan and broil 2-3 minutes. Finish with fresh basil
Add veggies:
- Mushrooms , zucchini, red or yellow bell peppers – sauté with green bell peppers and red onion. Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- Olives, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts – stir in with the beans before simmering.
Make it extra cheesy:
- Mozzarella cheese -for that true “pizza” vibe, top the (oven safe) skillet with mozzarella cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly (don’t walk away).
Make it spicy:
- Crushed red pepper flakes – sometimes you just want a little kick on your pizza! I like to add this at the end so everyone can control the heat in the dish.
What to serve with pizza beans
Like I said, I really like to serve this with some crusty bread or even over toast or toasted bagels with some extra melted cheese on top. I almost always serve it along side of this Greek Salad for a true pizzeria experience.
What to do with leftovers?
Keep the beans separate from any bread or crackers until you are ready to enjoy. Store the beans in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stove or in the oven until bubbly.
I love serving the leftovers on crusty bread with a fried egg on top the next morning for breakfast.
