Close-up of a rustic White Bean and Pesto Bake with melted cheese and cherry tomatoes Simple Meals For Dinner Vegetarian — Warm and cozy White Bean and Pesto Bake straight from the oven

When you’re staring at the fridge after a long day, dreaming of something warm, easy, and nourishing, this White Bean and Pesto Bake swoops in like a dinnertime hero. It’s creamy, herby, bubbling with flavor, and checks every box for simple meals for dinner vegetarian style.

This dish brings together pantry staples like white beans and pesto with the richness of melted cheese and the freshness of cherry tomatoes. It’s one of those veggie easy meals you’ll make once and crave forever. Just toss it together in a baking dish and let the oven work its magic.

Whether you’re new to easy meal vegetarian cooking or just hunting for a comforting repeat dinner, this one’s fuss-free and full of flavor.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¾ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Ingredients for White Bean and Pesto Bake including beans, pesto, tomatoes, and cheese — Simple, fresh ingredients ready for an easy vegetarian bake

How to Make It

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine white beans, cherry tomatoes, pesto, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Mixing pesto, beans, and tomatoes in a bowl for White Bean and Pesto Bake — Quick prep: just mix and bake!

⏱ Quick Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~320 per serving

💚 Why This Recipe Works

✅ Perfect for quick dinners vegetarian style
✅ Budget-friendly with just a few pantry items
✅ High in protein and fiber from beans
✅ Comfort food feel without the meat
✅ A top choice among easy bean dishes

🌱 A Note on the Dish

This bake is inspired by rustic Italian countryside cooking where beans are lovingly baked with herbs, olive oil, and simple vegetables. The creamy pesto twist makes it a standout among the best meatless recipes you’ll ever try.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Spoon it over garlic toast for a cozy open-faced sandwich
Serve it with a crisp green salad for a fresh vegetarian dinner
Use it as a hearty dip with crusty bread
Pair it with a cup of tomato soup for a cozy combo

Spoonful of White Bean and Pesto Bake served on garlic bread with salad
Simple Meals For Dinner Vegetarian — Serve warm with garlic bread or salad for a perfect dinner

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips

Add a handful of spinach or kale before baking for extra greens
Use vegan cheese for a completely plant-based version
Make it ahead and reheat for the easiest easy healthy dinner meatless

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts

🥰 Final Thoughts from Emma

If your weeknights are packed and your taste buds need a hug, this White Bean and Pesto Bake is the answer. It’s one of my absolute favorite simple meals for dinner vegetarian families love and it’s even better the next day.

Got your own twist on this dish? Add it in! 🌿
Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy veggie easy meals and comment below with your favorite!