Name: Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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), drained and rinsed; 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken); 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (about 7-8 oz or 200 g) or fresh mozzarella ball torn into chunks; ⅓ cup grated parmesan; 1 handful fresh basil; 4 slices crusty bread, toasted for serving

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bubbling skillet loaded with melty cheese and tender beans. This Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe combines all those comforting flavors you love from pizza but in a quick, fuss-free, one-pan dinner that feels like a warm hug.

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 Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe—it was one of those last-minute dinners that turned into a family favorite overnight. The beauty is in how simple it is, yet it tastes like you’ve been simmering it all afternoon.

One skillet magic: You only need one pan for cooking and broiling, simplifying cleanup and saving time.
Versatile ingredients: Tomatoes, beans, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Speedy but satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Family-friendly comfort: Even picky eaters tend to love the cheesy, saucy combo, making dinner less stressful.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. The fresh and blistered cherry tomatoes add that juicy tang, while cannellini beans bring heartiness and creamy protein. Then there’s the magic of mozzarella and parmesan melting on top, creating a bubbling, golden crust that seals the dish.

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 and helps blister the tomatoes perfectly.
Cherry tomatoes: Blistering brings out sweetness and a subtle smokiness that’s hard to beat.
Garlic: Fresh and grated, it gently perfumes the sauce without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding depth and a slight umami boost.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb flavor that’s earthy and aromatic.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds just the right amount of heat.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that soak up the sauce and make this meal super filling.
Broth (vegetable or chicken): Keeps the sauce saucy and adds savory depth.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that irresistible gooey texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top of the melty mozzarella.
Fresh basil: Bright herbaceous flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up every last saucy, cheesy bite.

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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

This Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe is like a blank canvas, and I love to tweak it based on what I have or mood I’m in. Play around with different cheeses, add veggies you love, or dial up the spices to suit your taste buds.

Variation: One time, I swapped cannellini beans for chickpeas—gave it a nuttier texture and my kids didn’t even notice. You can try feta or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe.
Spicy kick: Adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika creates a lovely warmth that's perfect for cozy nights.
Herb swaps: Basil is my go-to, but thyme or oregano work beautifully if basil is out of season.
Make it vegan: Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegetable broth for a plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean Pizza 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 the tomatoes to build flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You want to see the skins blister and start to soften—that’s where the magic begins, releasing that deep tomato sweetness. Stir in grated garlic, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper, and cook everything together for just about a minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add beans and simmer gently

Next, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans along with the broth. Mix it all up, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the tomatoes will soften further, soaking the beans in all that flavor.

Step 3: Layer on the cheese and broil

Turn on your oven’s broiler while the skillet simmers. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top. If you like a bit of rustic texture, tearing fresh mozzarella into chunks before adding makes the cheese melt unevenly, creating gorgeous bubbly patches. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly—keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 4: Finish and serve warm

Remove the skillet from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right from the skillet, alongside toasted crusty bread perfect for scooping up the saucy, cheesy goodness.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe more times than I can count, and a few tips have really helped make the flavors sing and keep cleanup simple.

Don't rush blistering: Let the cherry tomatoes sit without stirring too often—they’ll caramelize and get that perfect sweetness.
Sauté tomato paste properly: Cooking it for a minute or so before adding liquids deepens its flavor dramatically.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you transferring and makes broiling effortless.
Watch the broiler closely: Cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds—stay close!

How to Serve Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh basil; it brightens up all that rich, cheesy goodness perfectly. Sometimes I also sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands well on its own but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad add some refreshing contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I’ve served this straight from a pretty cast iron pan placed in the middle of the table—everyone digs in family-style. For a festive twist, I’ve arranged slices over polenta rounds for small bites that look impressive and taste amazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-friendly containers. It’ll keep for about 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in the oven or toaster oven to refresh the broiled cheese topping. Just cover with foil to prevent burning and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. It tastes close to freshly made!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans work beautifully because of their creamy texture, but you can substitute great northern beans, chickpeas, or butter beans depending on your preference or what’s in your pantry. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans well to keep the flavors balanced.

Do I have to use fresh mozzarella, or can I use shredded?

Both fresh and shredded mozzarella work well in this skillet recipe. Fresh mozzarella torn into chunks creates a rustic melt with pockets of gooey cheese, while shredded melts evenly and forms a nice golden crust under the broiler. It’s really about what you have on hand and your texture preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the mozzarella and parmesan for your favorite vegan cheese alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish remains just as flavorful and delicious, perfect for dairy-free and plant-based diets.

What kind of bread pairs best with this skillet?

Crusty bread with a chewy, sturdy texture works best to scoop up the cheesy beans and sauce. I love a good rustic country loaf or a baguette sliced and toasted. For a different twist, warm pita or flatbread also complement the dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to whenever I want comfort food without complicated steps. It’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—plus, it feels special even though it’s so easy. Give it a try; I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine. Grab your skillet, some good bread, and enjoy every melty, flavorful bite!