Easy Vegetarian White Bean Casserole (Print version)
A cozy vegetarian white bean casserole with tender cannellini beans, vegetables, tomato-herb sauce, and crisp parmesan breadcrumbs.
# Ingredients:
For the bean filling
01 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the dish
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 medium carrot, diced
04 -
1 celery stalk, diced
05 -
8 oz (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
06 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
07 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 -
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
10 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
13 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
14 -
3 cans (15 oz each or 425 g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
15 -
3 packed cups (90 g) chopped kale or baby spinach
16 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping
17 -
3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs
18 -
1/2 cup (45 g) grated parmesan cheese
19 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
20 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish or deep 3-quart casserole dish.
02 -
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
03 -
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly darker.
04 -
Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cannellini beans. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly but still looks moist.
05 -
Stir in kale or spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Add lemon juice, then taste and adjust salt if needed.
06 -
Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mix panko, parmesan, parsley, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the beans.
07 -
Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use canned beans for the fastest version.
02 -
Resting the casserole helps the sauce thicken before serving.
03 -
Add a squeeze of lemon at the table for a brighter finish.