Description
Pizza Beans is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, creamy white kidney beans, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, topped with fresh spinach and flavorful garnishes. This quick stovetop-to-oven recipe offers the flavors of pizza in a nutritious, satisfying bowl perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (chicken or turkey preferred), removed from casing
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 1 can (540 ml) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jar (550 ml) marinara sauce
- Large handful baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings and Serving
- Hot honey (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves (a few, chopped)
- Garlic bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Preheat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to warm it up.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir occasionally and cook until browned with minimal pink remaining. Then stir in ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano for flavor.
- Add beans and marinara: Mix in the drained and rinsed white kidney beans along with the marinara sauce. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the beans soften to your liking. Meanwhile, position your oven rack to the top and preheat the broiler.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the large handful of baby spinach and cook until completely wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Broil with cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to cover the surface reaching the edges. Transfer the pan to the oven and broil for 1 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, a drizzle of hot honey, and fresh basil leaves according to your preference. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by garlic bread. Enjoy your Pizza Beans!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust the hot honey and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred.
- Serving with garlic bread makes this a complete meal.
- Make sure to watch the broiler closely to prevent burning the cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
