Name: Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved; 2 cloves garlic grated; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional; ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste; Black pepper to taste; 2 cans cannellini beans 15 oz / 400 g each can – drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or 1 fresh mozzarella ball torn into chunks (about 7-8 oz or 200 g); ⅓ cup grated parmesan; 1 handful fresh basil; 4 slices crusty bread toasted

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a warm, comforting skillet filled with bubbling cheese, tender beans, and bright, blistered tomatoes. The Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that manages to be cozy and fresh all at once—a true weeknight winner that doesn’t feel like a quick fix.

The image shows a thick orange-red tomato sauce filled with whole white beans and pieces of bright red roasted peppers evenly spread across a black skillet. There are several blobs of white melted cheese with a creamy texture that mix softly into the sauce, some stretching in thin strings as a toasted white bread slice is lifted from the skillet, partially covered by the sauce and beans. Small green leaves are scattered on top, adding fresh color contrast. The sauce looks dense and rich, with visible herbs sprinkled over the surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is close to my heart because it feels gourmet but cooks up so simply in just one skillet. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s also healthy and surprisingly fast, which makes it a staple in my kitchen on busy nights.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, saving you time and minimizing cleanup.
Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: Melty mozzarella and parmesan create a luscious blanket that’s downright addictive.
Fresh Tomato Flavor: Blistered cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and a bit of tang that balances the richness.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like canned beans and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe plays an essential role, from texture to flavor. I always recommend using ripe cherry tomatoes and good-quality cheese because those little upgrades make a big difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, two pints of halved cherry tomatoes spread out, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small pile of dried oregano, a small pinch of red pepper flakes, two cans worth of drained and rinsed cannellini beans arranged loosely, a small white ceramic bowl of light vegetable broth, a handful of torn fresh basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a separate small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, and four slices of rustic crusty bread arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness; helps blister tomatoes evenly without burning.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness shine when blistered, creating a vibrant sauce base.
Garlic: Fresh grated garlic delivers an aromatic punch that warms the dish.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, bringing depth.
Dried oregano: Offers a classic herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and cheese.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick to brighten the overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything perfectly.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, mild beans that soak up the tomato sauce while offering protein and fiber.
Broth (vegetable or chicken): Keeps the sauce loose and flavorful as it simmers.
Mozzarella (shredded or fresh): Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesiness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps create a golden crust under the broiler.
Fresh basil: Bright, fresh herbaceousness to finish the dish on a high note.
Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up all the saucy, cheesy goodness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe to keep it exciting – sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth or switch up the beans depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to make it yours.

Variation: I once swapped mozzarella for crumbled feta and fresh oregano for basil—it made the dish tangier and herby in a whole new way that my family adored.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe

The dish shows two thick, toasted slices of golden brown bread stacked on a white plate with blue floral patterns. On top of the bread is a thick layer of creamy white melted cheese smeared with black pepper flakes. Surrounding and partly covering the cheese is a chunky orange tomato sauce with large white beans and pieces of red bell peppers. Bright green basil leaves sit on top of the cheese and sauce, adding fresh color. A gold fork rests diagonally on the plate near the toast. The plate is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blister Those Tomatoes

Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook mostly undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This is a game-changer—it lets the skins blister and caramelize, creating a beautiful natural sweetness. Stir in the grated garlic, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until you can smell all those flavors mingle.

Step 2: Simmer the Beans and Sauce

Drain and rinse your cannellini beans, then add them to the skillet with the broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, then let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The tomatoes break down further, and the sauce thickens up nicely—just right for all that cheesy goodness to come.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Broil to Bubbling Perfection

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the skillet. I like to tear fresh mozzarella into chunks rather than shredding it—it melts with a beautiful, rustic look. Broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and golden with bubbly spots. It happens fast, so stay close!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and aroma. Serve immediately with crisp, toasted crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that saucy, cheesy bean mixture. Trust me, it’s pure comfort heaven.

Top Tip

Having made this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little secrets that ensure it turns out excellent every single time. These have saved me from overcooked beans and burnt cheese more than once!

Let Tomatoes Blister Properly: Resist the urge to stir too often—they need time to brown and develop sweetness.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It makes transitioning your dish to the broiler seamless and cuts down on dishes.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can burn in seconds once it starts browning, so stay nearby.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If it looks too thick while simmering, splash in a bit more broth or water to keep it saucy.

How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh basil because it adds a fragrant brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. Sometimes, I also drizzle a bit of good olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Fresh oregano works beautifully too if basil isn’t handy.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables pairs nicely. I often serve it alongside steamed green beans or a lightly dressed arugula salad for some peppery freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the skillet family-style right at the table, surrounded by an array of crusty breads and small bowls of olives and marinated artichokes. You can also spoon the cheesy tomato bean mixture over toasted polenta rounds or roasted sweet potato slices for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to four days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so you might want to loosen it up with a little broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce and stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the beans and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are great for their creaminess, kidney beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas can be swapped in with equally delicious results. Just ensure they're cooked or canned and drained.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

It’s highly recommended because you’ll be broiling the cheese topping right in the skillet. Using an oven-safe pan means you can go straight from stovetop cooking to broiling without transferring, which makes cleanup easier and keeps the dish intact.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella and parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese options. Using vegetable broth ensures it's fully plant-based. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before broiling can also add a cheesy flavor boost.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye during broiling since cheese can brown very quickly. I recommend broiling in short bursts, checking every minute or so to catch that perfect bubbly, golden finish without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s easy, comforting, and feels a little indulgent without being fussy. Whether you’re dishing it up for a family dinner or needing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and make it your own—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you.