Quick Pizza Beans – Yummy Toddler Food

With just a few ingredients and a super quick method, this quick Pizza Beans recipe is here to make quick work of meal time. Bonus: It’s a vegetarian meal that’s satisfying, cheesy, and so nutritious!

I love being able to turn pantry staples into quick family dinners and this one for Pizza Beans has become a staple in my house. It’s such a simple meal, yet it also manages to be flavorful and satisfying without much work at all.

This vegetarian recipe simply needs to be warmed through, then you can serve it with toast, pasta, or even rice. It’s great reheated for an easy lunch and works as well as a toddler meal as it does as a family dinner or mama lunch.

(You may also like Pizza Quesadillas, Pizza Rolls, and Pizza Cups as more easy ideas.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Quick Pizza Beans so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.

• Cannellini beans (or other white beans): I like to use cannellini beans in this recipe since they have a soft, tender texture that my family enjoys. You can use other white beans as you prefer, including butter beans or navy beans. This can be fun with giant white beans, too.
• Extra virgin olive oil: I cook with extra virgin olive oil, so we use it here to add a little extra flavor and beneficial fats to the beans.
• Marinara sauce: Jarred marinara sauce adds flavor to these beans without any work on your part. (You can also use my homemade Easy Marinara Sauce if you prefer though.)
• Dried oregano (or pizza seasoning): This dried herb enhances the pizza flavor. You can use pizza seasoning, which is a spice mix sold in the spice aisle, for even more pizza flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: I like to top these beans with shredded mozzarella for the classic melted cheesiness of pizza.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, toasted Italian bread: These are all optional for serving to add flavor and satisfaction to the meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a preview of how to make these Quick Pizza Beans so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.

Step 1. Add the olive oil to a medium skillet over medium heat. When warm, add the beans and stir.

Step 2. Add the marinara sauce and oregano, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3. Turn off the heat and transfer mixture to a baking dish. (Or use a heat-safe pan from the beginning.) Top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 4. Place under a preheated broiler until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve warm.

How to Store

Store leftover Pizza Beans, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm through in the oven or microwave and serve as desired.

Best Tips for Success

• Use cannellini beans, navy beans, or large butter beans.
• Serve over bread or pasta or alongside either.
• Add fresh basil or a little pesto on top for more flavor.
• Serve the beans as an easy finger food for babies or younger toddlers.
• Use dairy-free cheese as desired or simply omit the cheese and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for cheese flavor.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!

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• Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven and heat the broiler on high.

• Add the olive oil to a medium heat-safe skillet over medium heat. When warm, add the beans, marinara sauce, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.

• Turn off the heat and top with mozzarella cheese. (If skillet is not heat-safe, transfer bean mixture to baking dish, then top with mozzarella.) Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).

• Serve warm with basil or bread, as desired.

• Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm through in the oven or microwave and serve warm.
• Use cannellini beans, navy beans, or large butter beans.
• Serve over bread or pasta or alongside either.
• Add fresh basil or a little pesto on top for more flavor.

Calories: 205kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 938mg, Potassium: 431mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 867IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 249mg, Iron: 2mg