Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the White Bean Mixture:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or 1½ cups fresh cherry tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup vegetable broth
For the Crispy Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
- Crusty bread or toasted baguette
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Cook the Beans & Tomatoes
- Add white beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in vegetable broth and stir in chopped spinach, cooking until it wilts.
Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter.
- Stir until evenly coated and slightly crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own.
- Enjoy the rich, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite!
Notes
Tips for the Best White Bean Casserole
✔ Use High-Quality Beans – Canned beans work well, but home-cooked beans have the best texture.
✔ Don’t Skip the Crispy Topping – The breadcrumb and Parmesan crust adds an amazing crunch.
✔ Adjust the Seasoning – Taste before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as needed.
✔ Make It Dairy-Free – Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
✔ Add Extra Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, sausage, or tofu for a heartier dish.