This pizza beans recipe is a family-friendly casserole that’s ready in minutes. Two kinds of beans and mini pepperonis are baked in a zesty pizza sauce under a crust of bubbly cheese for a fun and delicious dinner that’s kid-approved.
What Are Pizza Beans? Made famous by Smitten Kitchen, pizza beans are cheesy, saucy, and full of our favorite pizza toppings. This recipe makes a simple, irresistible dish that could turn anyone into a bean fan!
- Skill Level: It’s a simple recipe with no complex steps, and is easy enough for kids to help with, too.
- Recommended Tools: An oven-safe skillet allows easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Budget Tip: Try adding leftover cooked pasta or garlic bread to stretch the meal.
- Swaps: Use white (cannellini), lima, black beans, kidney beans, refried beans, or lentils and make a new dish every time.
Pizza Beans, Perfect Ingredients
- Beans: Butter beans and cannellini beans stay firm and tender, but you can use any variety of cooked leftover beans or canned beans. Be sure to drain and rinse them.
- Sauce: Use canned or homemade pizza sauce. The addition of tomato sauce keeps it from being too rich or sweet.
- Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni are a pizza classic. Add your favorites like Italian sausage or ham. Or stir in some leftover taco meat or mini meatballs.
- Cheese: A pre-shredded pizza blend or Italian cheese blend can be used, or grate your own.
Favorite Variations
- Add in healthy veggies like shredded zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper. Cook them in Step 1 so the dish doesn’t turn out watery.
- Turn up the heat with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Or go for a Tex-Mex flavor and try a shredded Mexican blend cheese with a taco seasoning.
Serving Pizza Beans
Pizza beans are a full-meal deal, but you can serve them with a side of cheesy breadsticks or crostini for dipping, and a simple green salad. Garnish with cracked black pepper and some fresh parsley for extra color.
- Store pizza beans in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat portions under the broiler with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or in the microwave.
- Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a pot or a crockpot on low until heated through.
Pizza-Inspired Perfection
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and oregano and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the beans, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and pepperoni. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and extra pepperoni if desired.
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Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Black olives, spinach, or chopped mushrooms can be added in step 1.
- For heartier beans, 12 ounces of Italian sausage can be cooked along with the onion. Drain any fat and proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
Calories: 317 | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 848mg | Potassium: 709mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Pizza
Cuisine American
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