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White Bean Casserole

A delightful comfort dish combining creamy white beans, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked white beans (around 480 grams)
  • 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped juicy and ripe for rich flavor
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (around 200 grams), sweet and succulent
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped aromatic and sweet
  • 2.5 cups chopped spinach (around 200 grams), vibrant and nutritious
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste concentrated flavor enhancer
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning herb blend
  • ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes adds a pinch of heat
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper for spice
  • to taste salt for flavor balance
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (200 grams), for topping, choose your favorite melting cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for around 30 seconds to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until the tomatoes turn mushy.
  6. Incorporate the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until they are halfway cooked. Cover the skillet to speed this process.
  7. Fold in the cooked white beans and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Turn off the heat.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Spread the shredded cheese generously on top.
  9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200℃ (400℉) for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth when cooking the onions and garlic. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend some of the beans before adding them to the casserole. Feel free to experiment with different cheese types, such as mozzarella or cheddar.