This is a simple and delicious recipe for Italian Baked Beans, with cannellini beans, kale, and your choice of homemade (or store-bought) Marinara sauce , baked in the oven until golden and bubbling. It’s a great vegetarian main dish that is vegan adaptable and gluten-free. You can also serve it as a hearty side dish, with some pecorino and basil on top. Feel free to customize this recipe with your own additions, such as sauteed mushrooms, browned Italian sausage (or vegan sausage!), or different kinds of cheese. It’s easy to make and very satisfying!
What you’ll need:
- Cannelini Beans- cooked or canned
- Marinara sauce
- olive oil
- Mozzerella or Pecorino cheese (or both!)
- salt, pepper, chili flakes
- fresh basil
- Optional additions: kale or spinach, sauteed mushrooms, browned Italian sausage (or vegan sausage!)
How to Make Italian Baked Beans
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch ovenproof skillet or medium-sized baking dish.
- Drain the cannellini beans and add them to the prepared skillet or dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Toss to coat well.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the beans and stir to combine. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own Marinara sauce or Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce.
- If using kale or spinach, chop it roughly and stir it into the bean mixture. You can also add any other optional ingredients at this point, such as mushrooms or sausage.
- Sprinkle the pecorino cheese over the top of the bean mixture. If you want a richer dish, you can also add slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the beans are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with crusty bread, a green salad, and a glass of pinot noir.
This recipe for Italian Baked Beans is a cozy and comforting meal that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. Enjoy it with your family or friends on a chilly night and savor the flavors of Italy!
