Pizza Beans

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

For the pizza beans:

1 medium yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

2 (about 15-ounce) cans cannellini or butter beans

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

5 ounces baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)

2 1/2 cups marinara sauce (about 20 ounces)

8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)

For serving:

4 sprigs fresh basil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce), plus more for serving

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Honey (optional)

Garlic bread

1. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven and heat the broiler.

2. Halve and thinly slice 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 1/4 cups). Thinly slice 2 garlic cloves. Drain 2 (about 15-ounce) cans cannellini or butter beans but don’t rinse.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10-inch) broiler-proof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 5 ounces baby spinach in two batches and stir until just wilted. Add the beans and 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to bubble, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with 8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese.

5. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil until the cheese is melted and browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pick the leaves from 4 fresh basil sprigs and tear if large (about 1/2 cup loosely packed).

6. Sprinkle the beans with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then garnish with the basil leaves and red pepper flakes, if desired. Drizzle with honey, if desired. Serve with garlic bread and more grated Parmesan cheese.

Make ahead: The pizza beans can be assembled, covered and refrigerated up to one day ahead. Bake in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the cheese starts to melt, about 15 minutes. Switch the oven to broil. Broil until the cheese is browned in spots.