Pizza Beans

This pizza beans recipe is a family-friendly casserole that’s ready in minutes. Two kinds of beans and mini pepperonis are baked in a zesty pizza sauce under a crust of bubbly cheese for a fun and delicious dinner that’s kid-approved.

What Are Pizza Beans? Made famous by Smitten Kitchen, pizza beans are cheesy, saucy, and full of our favorite pizza toppings. This recipe makes a simple, irresistible dish that could turn anyone into a bean fan!

Skill Level: It’s a simple recipe with no complex steps, and is easy enough for kids to help with, too.
Recommended Tools: An oven-safe skillet allows easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
Budget Tip: Try adding leftover cooked pasta or garlic bread to stretch the meal.
Swaps: Use white (cannellini), lima, black beans, kidney beans, refried beans, or lentils and make a new dish every time.

cheese , oil , garlic , onion , pepper , tomato sauce , butter beans , pepperoni , oregano , parmesan , pizza sauce , beans , cheese with labels to make Pizza Beans

Pizza Beans, Perfect Ingredients

Beans: Butter beans and cannellini beans stay firm and tender, but you can use any variety of cooked leftover beans or canned beans. Be sure to drain and rinse them.
Sauce: Use canned or homemade pizza sauce. The addition of tomato sauce keeps it from being too rich or sweet.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni are a pizza classic. Add your favorites like Italian sausage or ham. Or stir in some leftover taco meat or mini meatballs.
Cheese: A pre-shredded pizza blend or Italian cheese blend can be used, or grate your own.

Favorite Variations

Add in healthy veggies like shredded zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper. Cook them in Step 1 so the dish doesn’t turn out watery.
Turn up the heat with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Or go for a Tex-Mex flavor and try a shredded Mexican blend cheese with a taco seasoning.

adding seasonings and garlic to onion and peppers to make Pizza Beans

adding beans , tomato sauce and pizza sauce to cooked veggies to make Pizza Beans

Serving Pizza Beans

Pizza beans are a full-meal deal, but you can serve them with a side of cheesy breadsticks or crostini for dipping, and a simple green salad. Garnish with cracked black pepper and some fresh parsley for extra color.

Store pizza beans in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat portions under the broiler with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or in the microwave.
Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a pot or a crockpot on low until heated through.

Pizza-Inspired Perfection

Did you make these Pizza Beans? Leave a rating and comment below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Rest Time 5 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and oregano and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the beans, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and pepperoni. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and extra pepperoni if desired.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Black olives, spinach, or chopped mushrooms can be added in step 1.
For heartier beans, 12 ounces of Italian sausage can be cooked along with the onion. Drain any fat and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Serve with garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Pizza

Cuisine American

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