Vegan Baked White Bean Casserole

Prep: 15 minCook: 45 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Baked White Bean Casserole with Herbs and Tomato Sauce

A hearty, comforting casserole that combines tender white beans with savory tomato sauce and aromatic herbs. The beans bake in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, oregano, and basil, creating a satisfying one-dish meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this rustic casserole develops a slightly crispy top while staying creamy inside. The simple preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy families seeking nutritious, plant-based comfort food.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 cups white beans, cooked
    cannellini beans1:1none

    similar texture and flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
    chicken broth1:1richer flavor but no longer plant-based

    high

    Full guide →
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (375°F)

  2. 2

    Combine white beans, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil in a mixing bowl

  3. 3

    Season with salt and pepper to taste

  4. 4

    Pour mixture into baking dish and spread evenly

  5. 5

    Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and top is slightly browned

  6. 6

    Let cool for a few minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use pre-cooked beans or canned beans (drained and rinsed) to save time on preparation.

Tip 2

Cover with foil during the first 30 minutes if the top browns too quickly, then uncover for the final 15 minutes.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in 350°F oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead

Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Serve With

Serve hot as a main dish with crusty bread or over rice. Can also be a hearty side dish.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip preheating the oven to ensure even cooking and proper browning

Watch

Use cooked beans to avoid undercooked, hard beans in the final dish

Substitutions

white beans
cannellini beans1:1none

similar texture and flavor

Full guide →
dried herbs
fresh herbs1:3none

use 3 times more fresh herbs

Full guide →
vegetable broth
chicken broth1:1richer flavor but no longer plant-based

high

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use dried beans instead of cooked?

You must cook dried beans completely before using. Soak overnight, then simmer until tender, about 1-2 hours depending on bean type.

How long will this casserole keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. The texture may be slightly softer after freezing.