As a little inside scoop, when I first pitched this recipe, the title was “pizza beans,” but no one needed convincing. At the intersection of cozy and easy, you’ll find pizza beans.

Paired with some toasty garlic bread, this is about as close to a warm hug as it gets.

What are they, you ask? Exactly what they sound like. A skillet of canned beans and aromatics simmered in marinara sauce, topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly, gooey and just a little browned on top. When you pull it out of the oven, you top it with more pizza toppings: Parmesan, basil, red pepper flakes and a little honey for that special touch.

This dish is a great way to use up extra vegetables or protein hanging out in your fridge (aka future pizza toppings). Sauté leftover vegetables with the aromatics, layer protein with the cheese on top, and mix and match as you see fit.

Just like with pizza, you’re only limited by your own creativity.

Why you’ll love it

This easy dinner leans on canned beans, shredded mozzarella and baby spinach for a quick dinner that’s as filling as it is flavorful.

A little honey makes it shine. I love a light drizzle of honey on my pizza, so why not on my pizza beans? It’s the perfect balance to salty Parmesan and spicy red pepper.

Key ingredients

Beans: Use butter beans, cannellini or any other canned white bean you like.

Aromatics: Sliced onion and garlic create an extra-flavorful base.

Oregano: A little dried oregano brings major pizza vibes.

Spinach: Instantly bulk out the meal by stirring in some greens.

Marinara: Grab a jar of your favorite store-bought brand to make this dinner.

Cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella gives you that ooey-gooey pizza topping and browns nicely under the broiler (unlike fresh mozz).

Toppings: Classic pizza toppings like fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, along with a less common topping, honey, give it the finishing touch.

Helpful swaps

Add pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, mushrooms or any pizza toppings you like.

Use hot honey instead of regular or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.

Use chopped fresh parsley instead of basil.

Sprinkle with more dried oregano, if that’s what you would do at a pizza parlor.

Create your own blend of shredded cheese instead of just mozzarella.

Drizzle with store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.

Swap spinach for other greens like baby kale, chopped Tuscan kale or Broccolini.