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Cheesy Marinara Beans: A Comforting, Protein-Packed Dish You’ll Love

Cheesy Marinara Beans
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This comforting and flavorful dish combines the richness of marinara sauce with creamy beans and melted cheese for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a great alternative to baked pasta dishes, offering a nutritious twist with beans as the star. Serve it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 3 cups cooked corona beans or 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ⅔ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
    • Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 1 minute).
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly (about 2 minutes).
    • Add white wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until thickened (about 1 minute).
  2. Simmer the Beans:
    • Add the tomatoes and their juice, crushing the tomatoes with your hands as you add them.
    • Stir in the beans, basil, oregano, and parsley.
    • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened (18-20 minutes).
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
    • While the beans simmer, preheat the broiler to high and place the oven rack in the upper third.
    • In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  4. Assemble and Broil:
    • Gently stir the ricotta mixture into the bean mixture.
    • Sprinkle the shredded fontina and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan over the top.
    • Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly (2-3 minutes).
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
    • Serve hot with a side salad and toasted baguette.

Notes

  1. Bean Choice: Use dried corona beans for their creamy texture, or substitute with cannellini beans if unavailable.
  2. Tomato Quality: Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
  3. Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap fontina with mozzarella or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
  4. Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley elevate the dish, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon fresh).
  5. Broiling Tip: Keep an eye on the dish while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/cheesy-marinara-beans-a-comforting-protein-packed-dish-youll-love/