If you love comforting meals that require minimal prep and maximum flavor, this White Bean & Pesto Bake is about to become your new go-to dinner. Creamy white beans, fragrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella come together in a simple dump-and-bake casserole that feels both rustic and elegant.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meatless Mondays, or cozy weekend dinners, this easy dump and bake casserole proves that simple pantry ingredients can transform into something truly special. There’s no complicated layering, no pre-cooking required, and barely any cleanup. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian bean casserole that’s hearty enough to satisfy or a healthy white bean recipe packed with plant-based protein, this pesto mozzarella casserole checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This White Bean & Pesto Bake

There are plenty of reasons this dish stands out:

Minimal Prep: Truly dump-and-bake. No sautéing required.
Protein-Packed: White beans provide plant-based protein and fiber.
Comforting Yet Fresh: Creamy texture meets bright pesto flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Serve as a main dish, side, or even as a dip with crusty bread.

The combination of creamy beans and herby pesto creates a luscious base, while melted mozzarella adds a golden, bubbly finish that makes every bite irresistible.

What Makes This Dump-and-Bake Casserole So Easy?

Traditional casseroles often require pre-cooking vegetables, browning meat, or preparing sauces separately. This recipe simplifies everything.

You simply:

Rinse and drain canned white beans.
Mix them with pesto, tomatoes, and seasoning.
Top with cheese.
Bake until bubbly.

That’s it.

The oven does all the work, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while the top turns golden and slightly crisp.

Ingredients

2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small casserole dish or baking dish with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained white beans, pesto, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Finish with grated Parmesan for extra flavor and a golden crust.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Choosing the Best White Beans

Cannellini beans are ideal for this recipe because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. Great northern beans also work beautifully. Avoid navy beans if you prefer a firmer texture, as they tend to soften more during baking.

Using canned beans makes this recipe especially convenient, but if you prefer cooking dried beans from scratch, ensure they’re fully cooked and tender before baking.

The Role of Pesto in This Casserole

Pesto is the star ingredient that brings depth and vibrancy. Traditionally made with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, pesto adds:

Herbaceous freshness
Rich, nutty undertones
Balanced acidity

For a twist, you can try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a slightly peppery variation.

Tips for the Perfect White Bean & Pesto Bake

1. Don’t Skip Draining the Beans

Excess liquid can make the casserole watery. Rinse and drain thoroughly.

2. Use Quality Pesto

A high-quality pesto makes a big difference. Look for bright green color and fresh aroma.

3. Broil for Extra Golden Top

For a crispier finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully to prevent burning).

4. Let It Rest

Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes helps it set and intensifies flavor.

Delicious Variations

Add Spinach

Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach before baking for added nutrients.

Make It Creamy

Mix in ¼ cup ricotta for a richer texture.

Add Protein

If not strictly vegetarian, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully.

Make It Vegan

Use dairy-free mozzarella and ensure pesto contains no Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

This pesto mozzarella casserole pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty artisan bread
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables
Garlic toast

It also works as a hearty side dish alongside grilled vegetables or baked potatoes.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Yes! This healthy white bean recipe offers:

Plant-based protein
Fiber for digestion
Heart-healthy olive oil
Lycopene from tomatoes

Compared to heavy cream-based casseroles, this dish feels lighter while still delivering comfort.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Store:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

To Freeze:

Freeze before baking for best texture. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This easy dump and bake casserole is excellent for meal prep. Divide into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, just cook them fully beforehand.

Can I add pasta?

Absolutely! Stir in cooked pasta to make it more filling.

What if I don’t like tomatoes?

You can omit them or substitute roasted red peppers.

Final Thoughts

This White Bean & Pesto Bake is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this vegetarian bean casserole delivers creamy texture, vibrant pesto flavor, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite healthy white bean recipe.