Name: White Bean Casserole: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal for Every Season
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean/Comfort Food
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked white beans (cannellini, navy, or Great Northern beans); 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped; 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (or substitute with grape or Roma tomatoes); 1 medium onion, finely chopped (red, white, or brown onion); 2.5 cups chopped spinach (or substitute with kale or Swiss chard); 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbs of choice); ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 cups shredded cheese (any melting cheese, rennet-free for vegetarians); 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

Description

Indulge in the warmth of this Hearty White Bean Casserole, a comforting and wholesome dish packed with creamy white beans, juicy tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach, all baked to perfection with a golden, melty cheese topping. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked white beans (cannellini, navy, or Great Northern beans)
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (or substitute with grape or Roma tomatoes)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (red, white, or brown onion)
2.5 cups chopped spinach (or substitute with kale or Swiss chard)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbs of choice)
½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 cups shredded cheese (any melting cheese, rennet-free for vegetarians)
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onion becomes translucent.
Build the Base: Stir in Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Cook briefly, then add tomato paste and blend well.
Simmer the Tomatoes: Mix in chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until soft. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 10-12 minutes, covering the pan to speed up the process.
Combine Beans & Greens: Stir in the cooked white beans and chopped spinach. Cook for 5-7 minutes until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot!

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a microwave or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean/Comfort Food