Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 (15- to 15.5-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed, and well drained
- 2 cups thick gluten-free marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
- Fine salt, only if needed after tasting
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the garlic, oregano, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 45 to 60 seconds, until it darkens slightly and coats the onion.
- Add the well-drained beans and marinara. Fold gently to combine. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beans.
- Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the skillet, cover, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from the heat, top with fresh basil, and let stand uncovered for 2 minutes. Taste and add salt only if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for the most reliable texture. Fresh mozzarella can release extra water.
- If the sauce is still thin after 6 minutes, simmer uncovered for another 1 to 3 minutes before adding the cheese.
- When gluten avoidance is important, verify the labels on marinara, cheese, seasonings, and optional toppings and prevent cross-contact in the kitchen.
- For pepperoni pizza beans, add gluten-free-labeled pepperoni on top of the mozzarella before covering. Nutrition will change.
- For a dairy-free variation, use a suitable dairy-free shredded cheese and omit the Parmesan.
- Nutrition is an estimate and varies by brand.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free