Cheesy Marinara Beans

(6)

This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles. Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online. Cannellini are a good substitute. Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette.

Cheesy Marinara Beans
Credit: Photography / Nico Schinco, Food Styling / Frances Boswell, Prop Stylist / Paige Hicks
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
  • This comforting, cheesy dish is inspired by baked pasta.
  • Beans and cheese provide plenty of protein to keep you full.
  • Fresh basil, oregano and parsley add herbal layers to the flavors.
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 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 two 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

  • cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese

Directions

  1. Heat 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. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it starts to darken, about 2 minutes. Add wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until thickened, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and their juice, crushing the tomatoes with your hand as you add them. Stir in beans, basil, oregano and parsley. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 18 to 20 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, place rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high. Combine egg, ricotta and 1/4 cup Parmesan in a small bowl.

  3. Gently stir the ricotta mixture into the bean mixture. Sprinkle fontina and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan on top. Broil until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with more herbs, if desired.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, April 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

357 Calories
18g Fat
30g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 357
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 19g 38%
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Vitamin A 790IU 16%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Vitamin D 15IU 4%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 40mcg 10%
Vitamin K 27mcg 23%
Sodium 474mg 21%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 79mg 19%
Potassium 503mg 11%
Zinc 3mg 27%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.