White bean casserole

When I first stumbled upon the recipe for this white bean casserole, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. There’s something warm and inviting about the combination of creamy white beans, vibrant veggies, and melted cheese that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight family dinner, a festive gathering with friends, or a comforting dish on a chilly Sunday afternoon, this casserole hits the spot. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a win-win for everyone!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What truly makes this white bean casserole shine is its versatility and simplicity. It appeals to a range of palates, while also being budget-friendly and nourishing. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal. The combination of white beans and spinach offers both protein and vitamins, which are vital for a healthy diet. And let’s not forget the cheese—who can resist that gooey, melty goodness?

"This casserole is my go-to for last-minute dinner parties. Everyone loves it, and I can usually make it with what I already have at home!" – Jessica W.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s set the expectations. This recipe involves sautéing a fragrant mix of onions and garlic, adding tomatoes for depth, and blending everything with creamy white beans and earthy spinach. The final touch? Cheese, of course! After assembling, the casserole gets a nice bake, making it bubbly and irresistible. Ready to cook? Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

To prepare this delicious white bean casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked white beans (around 480 grams)
• 2 large tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (around 200 grams)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2.5 cups chopped spinach (around 200 grams)
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheese (about 200 grams)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Feel free to substitute with canned white beans if you’re short on time, or swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative if you have dietary restrictions.

Cooking Steps

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Sauté for a few more seconds to release the flavors.

3. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Cook the tomato paste for about 30 seconds, stirring it in well with the sautéed mixture.

4. Mix in Fresh Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes become mushy.

5. Cherry Tomatoes Next: Introduce the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 10-12 minutes. You can cover the skillet to speed this up.

6. Combine Beans and Spinach: Add in the cooked white beans and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Turn off the heat.

7. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and spread the shredded cheese evenly on top.

8. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 30 minutes.

Perfect Pairings for White Bean Casserole

Serving this white bean casserole can be just as creative as preparing it. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with:

• A fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for contrast.
• Slices of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Roasted veggies on the side to add variety and color to your table.

Best Way to Store White Bean Casserole

After enjoying this delightful casserole, you might be left with some leftovers. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the casserole in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through or microwave individual portions until warm.

Expert Advice

For the best results, here are a few handy tips:

• Use a mix of fresh herbs for even more flavor—basil or parsley can elevate the taste significantly.
• If you find your mixture is too thick, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water can help loosen it.
• To create a crispy top layer, uncover the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this white bean casserole! Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap white beans with chickpeas for a different texture.
• Add a layer of cooked quinoa for added protein and fluffiness.
• Spice it up with jalapeños or smoked paprika for a kick.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does this casserole take to prepare?

   • Prepping and cooking this dish should take around 60 minutes from start to finish.

2. Can I use canned beans instead of cooked ones?

   • Yes, canned white beans can save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

   • The oven offers the best reheating method, but microwaving works for individual servings, too.

By incorporating this flavorful white bean casserole into your recipe repertoire, you can enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that’s sure to please a crowd. Happy cooking!

White Bean Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting white bean casserole packed with creamy beans, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked white beans (around 480 grams)
• 2 large tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (around 200 grams)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2.5 cups chopped spinach (around 200 grams)
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheese (about 200 grams)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Sauté for a few more seconds to release the flavors.
3. Cook the tomato paste for about 30 seconds, stirring it in well with the sautéed mixture.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes become mushy.
5. Introduce the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 10-12 minutes. You can cover the skillet to speed this up.
6. Add in the cooked white beans and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Turn off the heat.
7. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and spread the shredded cheese evenly on top.
8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 30 minutes.

Notes

Consider serving with a garden salad or crusty whole-grain bread. For best results, use fresh herbs for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: white bean casserole, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, healthy casserole