Introduction
Transform humble white beans and pantry staples into a cheesy, comforting pizza casserole that’s guaranteed to be a family favorite! This recipe is super easy, budget-friendly, and totally adaptable to your family’s tastes. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. 🍕😋
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a brilliant blend of familiar flavors – pizza and casserole! It cleverly uses canned white beans to create a creamy, hearty base, making it both budget-friendly and quick to prepare. The cheesy topping and crispy crust are pure comfort food magic! Plus, it’s easily customizable – add your favorite veggies or toppings to make it your own.
Key Ingredients
- 🥫 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🍕 1 (13.8-ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 🫑 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the cannellini beans with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
3️⃣ Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil until softened. Add this mixture to the mashed beans along with the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4️⃣ If using, add your optional vegetables (mushrooms and bell peppers) to the bean mixture.
5️⃣ Spread the pizza dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Pour the bean mixture over the pizza dough.
7️⃣ Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the crust is cooked through.
9️⃣ Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- For easier mashing, use a potato masher instead of a fork.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the bean mixture.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures that the casserole cooks through evenly. Too low a temperature, and the cheese might not melt properly, while too high a temperature might burn the crust before the inside is cooked. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Crunch Factor
This casserole offers a delightful textural contrast. The creamy bean mixture is balanced by the slightly crunchy pizza crust and the bubbly, melted cheese. The optional vegetables add another layer of texture, depending on your choices.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-shredded cheese blends for convenience.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a wonderful comforting gift! Bake it in a disposable aluminum pan, cover it with foil, and tie a pretty ribbon around it. Include a handwritten recipe card for added personalization.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bean mixture.
🌟 Mediterranean: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
🌟 Veggie Powerhouse: Load it up with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
🌟 Meat Lovers (not vegetarian!): Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the bean mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Crust: If your crust is soggy, try pre-baking it for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- Dry Casserole: Add a little more crushed tomatoes or a splash of milk or cream to the bean mixture if it seems too dry.
- Burnt Cheese: If your cheese is burning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of beans? Yes, kidney beans or chickpeas would also work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- What kind of pizza dough should I use? Store-bought refrigerated pizza dough works best for this recipe, but you can use homemade dough if desired.
- Is this suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prepping for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
This Vegetarian White Bean Pizza Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com! We can’t wait to see your creations! Enjoy! 🍽️❤️
White Bean Pizza Casserole: Family-Friendly Fun!
A delicious and wholesome casserole that combines the flavors of pizza with the creaminess of white beans, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white beans, mashed
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 package of pizza dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed white beans, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
- Spread the bean mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top the bean mixture with chopped bell peppers, black olives, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Roll out the pizza dough and place it over the top of the casserole, pressing down gently.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding your family's favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.