Pizza Beans – If you love pizza, you’ll love this recipe. It’s like pressing a simple button. It tastes like pizza and is made with 7 simple ingredients in 1 pot in about 15 minutes. Oh, I think kids (and fussy adults too) will love it. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner recipe or an easy after-school snack, these cheesy marinara beans are the perfect solution.
If you’re looking for more simple bean recipes, try my 3 Ingredient Black Bean Dip or Greek White Bean Salad next.
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What are pizza beans?
For those of you wondering what exactly pizza beans are, let me add. Essentially, it’s white beans with marinara and cheese, served on crusty bread or crackers. Everything you love about pizza has beans in it.
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Vegetables (I used bell peppers and red onions, these are my favorite pizza toppings) – use whatever you like on your pizza here Marinara – use your favorite sauce Cheese – I’m vegan I used parmesan cheese. You can use regular Parmesan cheese or your favorite mozzarella cheese. Fresh Basil – Adds fresh flavor. You can use fresh parsley or simply omit this. Bread or Crackers – Create your own pizza experience at home using your favorite crunchy bread or crackers.
Don’t have marinara on hand?
What makes this recipe so quick and easy is that it uses bottled marinara sauce. If you want to make your own, check out my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe. Ready in just 2 minutes. Here’s what you need:
Diced or crushed tomatoes Balsamic vinegar Spices
How to make pizza beans
Chop and cook the vegetables: Add the vegetables to the preheated skillet (medium-low heat) and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
Make the pizza beans: Add marinara, spices, and beans to the pot. Simmer for 5-6 minutes to reduce the sauce a little and allow the beans to fully absorb the flavor. After 5-6 minutes, stir in half the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Add toppings and serve. Remove from heat and add remaining cheese and fresh basil. Serve over toasted, crunchy bread or your favorite flatbread crackers (or homemade crackers).
important tips
Wash and drain the white kidney beans thoroughly before adding them to the sauce. Tip: I like to soak it in clean water for a few minutes. This will make it easier to digest. Use organic beans if possible. I think it’s good for digestion. Be sure to use your favorite marinara sauce. Most of the flavor in this dish comes from the marinara sauce. Use whatever white beans you have on hand. I used Great Northern White kidney beans, but you could also use cannellini beans, gigante beans, or butter beans.
Other additions
Pepperoni, cooked sausage, etc. – Stir in the cheese on the stove, then top with the pepperoni and Parmesan and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Top with the remaining fresh basil and serve. Mushrooms, zucchini, red or yellow peppers – add these and cook with the green peppers and red onions. Depending on how many vegetables you add, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Olives, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts – these can be added along with the white beans Mozzarella cheese – If you prefer an authentic pizza experience, add mozzarella cheese to the entire dish (oven-safe) Place under the broiler for 2 hours – 3 minutes. Crushed red pepper flakes as a spice (add salt and garlic powder).
What to serve with this pizza bean recipe
I like to serve cheesy marinara beans with a simple salad, Greek salad, or light soup (like this frozen vegetable soup).
You can also serve it with air fryer roasted zucchini or sun-dried tomato broccoli.
replacement
If you can’t find your favorite Parmesan cheese, you can use your favorite mozzarella (regular or dairy-free) or use cashew cream in place of Parmesan cheese.
To make cashew cream: Soak 1/2 cup cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain. Add cashews and 1/2 cup water to a high-speed blender, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture with the beans to create a rich, creamy sauce with the same flavor as if you added cheese.
What should I do with the leftovers?
Store beans separately from bread and crackers until ready to serve. Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until bubbly.
I love to put leftovers on crunchy bread and top with a fried egg for breakfast the next morning.
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Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat. If toasting bread in the oven, preheat oven to 350F. If not, use a toaster or crackers.
Chop the bell pepper and red onion.
Once hot, spray the skillet with oil (I used avocado oil) and add the peppers and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
Stir in half the cheese and half the fresh basil. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted.
Turn off the heat and add the remaining cheese and fresh basil just before serving.
Enjoy with toasted bread or crackers.
Tips:
Wash the white kidney beans and drain them well. If possible, use organic beans that are easy to digest. Use your favorite marinara sauce. That’s most of the flavor. Use whatever white kidney beans you have on hand.
Other additions
Pepperoni, cooked sausage, etc. Mushrooms, zucchini, red or yellow bell peppers Olives, banana peppers, roasted red bell peppers, artichoke hearts Mozzarella cheese – For an authentic pizza experience, add the whole dish (oven-safe) Top with mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. crushed red pepper flakes
Nutritional information display
Nutritional information table
Amount per serving
Where does the nutritional information come from? Nutritional information is provided by the USDA Food Database.
