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), 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 for serving

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy skillet bubbling with rich tomato and creamy beans. This Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe brings together those cozy flavors in one simple pan, perfect for busy evenings or chill weekends where you just want fuss-free deliciousness.

The dish shows one layer of golden brown toasted bread at the bottom, partially covered by a thick, rich orange-red tomato sauce mixed with white beans and chunks of melted cheese that create stretchy, stringy textures. Bright red pieces of cooked tomatoes and small green basil leaves are scattered on top and throughout, all sitting in a black pan with the bread slightly lifted up by a woman's hand, pulling some cheese strands. The background is a white marbled texture 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

I adore this recipe because it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough to impress yet is so easy you’ll actually make it on a weeknight. The balance of smoky, sweet tomatoes with rich cheese and hearty beans hits all the right notes every time.

One-Skillet Simplicity: You cook everything in one pan, which means less mess and more time enjoying your food (and company!).
Savory, Layered Flavors: Roasting the tomatoes and browning the tomato paste unlocks a depth of flavor that makes this so much more than just beans and cheese.
Super Flexible: It’s easy to swap ingredients, so everyone at your table will find something to love, whether you’re making a vegetarian meal or adapting for what’s in your pantry.
Perfect for Sharing: Serve it up with crusty bread and watch it disappear during casual dinners, cozy lunches, or even as a hearty breakfast option!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role in layering flavor and texture. From the juicy cherry tomatoes bursting in your mouth to the creamy beans that soak up all those lovely tomato juices, everything works in gorgeous harmony.

Flat lay of two pints of halved cherry tomatoes, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, two white ceramic bowls each filled with rinsed cannellini beans, a small white bowl of vegetable broth, a handful of fresh green basil leaves, torn chunks of fresh white mozzarella cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, and four slices of rustic crusty bread arranged symmetrically, 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: It’s the base that helps blister the tomatoes and carries those flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness shines when blistered, giving the sauce a bright, fresh quality that's pure comfort food.
Garlic: Fresh grated garlic adds that pungent warmth that wakes up the entire skillet.
Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated tomato flavor with a bit of richness that’s key to a deep sauce.
Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb note that pairs perfectly with the tomato and cheese.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that lifts the whole dish without being overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they add protein and a luscious texture that makes this recipe filling and satisfying.
Broth (vegetable or chicken): Adds moisture and a savory depth helping the tomatoes break down into a luscious sauce.
Mozzarella (shredded or fresh): Melts into gooey, stringy goodness, making every bite comforting and luscious.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the cheesy topping.
Fresh basil: The fresh herb brightness at the end balances the richness beautifully.
Crusty bread: Not just a side, but the perfect scoop for that melty, saucy 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 like to tweak this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in season or what cheese I have on hand. The beauty is you can make it uniquely yours without losing any of its charm.

Variation: Swapping cannellini beans for chickpeas gives it a slightly nuttier taste and firmer texture that I love when I want a bit more bite.
Dairy-Free Option: Using a dairy-free mozzarella substitute works great here—just make sure to watch the broil time so it doesn’t dry out.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce at the end if I’m craving some heat.
Herb Twist: Try fresh oregano or chopped basil pesto instead of fresh basil for a different but delightful herbal lift.

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

The dish features two layers of golden toasted bread as the base, topped with a thick, orange-red bean stew made of white beans and red bell peppers. On top of the bean stew, there is a layer of melted white cheese with a soft, slightly browned texture and black pepper sprinkled over it. Bright green basil leaves are placed on the cheese and around the plate for garnish. The food is served on a white plate with blue floral patterns, set on a white marbled surface, with a gold fork resting beside the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blister the Tomatoes to Perfection

Heat your olive oil over medium-high in a large, oven-safe skillet and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Don’t rush this! Let them cook mostly undisturbed for about 5 minutes until their skins blister and look slightly charred—that sweet caramelization is what makes this dish really sing. Then stir in the grated garlic, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about one minute until fragrant and lovely.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Simmer Gently

Drain and rinse your beans well before adding them to the skillet along with the broth. Stir everything to combine, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes so the tomatoes soften further and the sauce thickens—a bit of stirring now and then helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Broil to Golden Perfection

Turn on your oven broiler and evenly scatter shredded mozzarella (or torn chunks if you’re using fresh mozzarella) and grated parmesan right on top. Pop the skillet under the broiler for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles with gorgeous golden spots. Keep an eye on it because cheese can brown quickly!

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top—this adds a pop of color and a fresh herb aroma that makes you want to dig right in. Serve it straight from the skillet with toasted crusty bread on the side to scoop and savor every melty bite.

Top Tip

After making this Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned it’s those small details that make a big difference—especially the blistering and broiling steps.

Blister the Tomatoes Slowly: Let them sit on the heat without stirring too much so they develop deep, sweet flavor and that lovely softness.
Brown the Tomato Paste: Don’t just add it and stir; cook it for a minute or so to develop that rich umami backbone in your sauce.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can go from perfect golden to burnt in seconds—stay nearby and ready to pull it out once it looks bubbly and gorgeous.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I swear by cast iron or heavy non-stick skillets so you can go straight from stovetop to broiler, making cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Tomato Beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with fresh torn basil because it adds brightness just before serving, but a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil also works wonders. Sometimes, I toss on a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness when basil is scarce.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I serve this with warm crusty bread, perfect for scooping up that melty bean and tomato goodness. If I want something extra, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables make a wonderful, fresh balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to portion the skillet into smaller oven-safe dishes for individual servings—each topped with fresh basil and a little parmesan. It makes for a pretty, rustic presentation that’s sure to impress your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, making it an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, keep the beans and tomato base separate from the cheese topping if possible—otherwise, the cheese can get a bit rubbery. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cheese fresh when reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the oven. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. For that melty cheese experience, add fresh shredded mozzarella on top and pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

You absolutely can! Substitute the cherry tomatoes with canned diced or crushed tomatoes, but drain excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce. Adjust cooking time so the sauce thickens nicely before adding the cheese.

What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella is traditional here because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the tomatoes and beans. Combining it with a bit of parmesan adds sharpness. You can also experiment with provolone, fontina, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a vegetable broth and swap mozzarella and parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top also adds a cheesy flavor if you want to skip vegan cheese.

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

Keep a very close eye on the skillet once it’s under the broiler. Cheese melts and browns quickly, so watch closely and pull the pan out as soon as you see the cheese bubbling and turning golden with some brown spots.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Tomato Bean Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s the perfect marriage of simple, fresh ingredients with comforting cheese and hearty beans. I always feel like I’m treating myself when I dig into this skillet—and I hope you’ll feel the same way. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, adaptable, and unbelievably satisfying. Promise me you’ll give it a try and make it your own!