Pizza Beans
These pizza beans are everything you love about a cheesy slice — but made into a nutritious dinner that’s easy, comforting, and ready in under 20 minutes. With just 7 ingredients, zero chopping, and endless topping options, this is a weeknight recipe your whole family will love.
Need more healthy but comforting dinner recipes? Try my baked beef tacos, lazy high-protein lasagna, or healthy hamburger helper. Or try my other recipes with beans.
Why you’ll love this dietitian-made recipe
- All the pizza flavor, way more nutrition: This recipe delivers the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave — with a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and satisfaction in every bite.
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved: These gooey, comforting pizza beans are a hit with kids and adults alike. If your kids won’t touch beans, try my greek yogurt pizza crust or air fryer tortilla pizzas.
- Totally customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni to make it your own.
- No chopping, no fuss: With just 7 ingredients, one pan, and under 20 minutes start to finish, it’s the ultimate lazy-but-delicious dinner.
Why dietitians love beans
Beans are one of the most underrated foods when it comes to nutrition. They offer a unique combo of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants — a trio that can support digestion, heart health, and long-lasting fullness. As a dietitian, I wish more people added them to their meals. They’re budget-friendly, versatile, and genuinely good for your gut.
Key ingredients
- Sausage: I recommend chicken or turkey sausage for more protein and less fat, but you can use any sausage you like — including plant-based options.
- White beans: I use canned white kidney beans for ease and texture, but navy beans or cannellini beans work great too. Drain and rinse well before using.
- Marinara sauce: Jarred marinara keeps things simple and adds instant flavor. I love Rao’s, but any sauce you enjoy will work. Feel free to switch it up with arrabbiata, tomato basil, or even rosé sauce for a twist.
- Mozzarella: Pre-shredded mozzarella keeps this recipe low effort, but feel free to shred your own or try other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- Toppings: I like to finish mine with hot honey, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Since we broil these at the end, you can add whatever pizza toppings you love — even pepperoni.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
How to make pizza beans with Italian sausage
Step 1: Brown and crumble sausage, and stir in oregano.
Step 2: Stir in beans and marinara, and simmer.
Step 3: Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
Step 4: Top with cheese, broil, and serve!
More topping ideas
One of the best parts about pizza beans is how easy they are to customize. Since you’re broiling them at the end, you can add toppings just like you would on your favorite slice of pizza — and they’ll get that perfect golden, bubbly finish. Try some of these delicious options:
- Diced red onion
- Pickled jalapeños
- Turkey pepperoni
- Sliced olives
- Chopped roasted red peppers
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Fresh basil or oregano
- Diced pineapple
- Drizzle of pesto
Explore my other high-protein recipes, gluten-free recipes, or high-fiber recipes.
Pizza beans FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze pizza beans for up to 3 months.
Microwave for 45–60 seconds, stirring halfway through until heated evenly. You can also warm them in a skillet over medium heat — just know the cheese will melt into the beans a bit more, which still tastes great! If you’re re-heating from frozen, defrost the beans in the fridge overnight first.
If you don’t have Italian sausage on-hand, use plain ground turkey or chicken with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning instead. Make sure you’re using a flavorful marinara (not plain crushed tomatoes), since you’ll need that extra seasoning boost.
More easy and healthy dinners
Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls
One-Pot Chicken Artichoke Pasta
One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo
Sweet Potato Burger Bowls
If you tried this recipe for pizza beans, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram!
Pizza Beans
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (chicken or turkey preferred), removed from casing
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 1 can (540-ml) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jar (550-ml) marinara sauce
- large handful baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- hot honey, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, fresh basil
To serve
- garlic bread, optional
Equipment
- large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
Instructions
- Heat your pan to medium and add oil.
- Add sausage to the pan and crumble with a spatula, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned with minimal pink remaining. Stir in oregano.
- Stir in white beans and marinara. Cover, and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until beans are softened to your liking. While this is simmering, position your oven rack to the top and set to broil.
- Stir in baby spinach until completely wilted.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over top in an even layer that reaches the edges. Transfer to the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbling.
- Top your pizza beans with any toppings you love — I like freshly grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, hot honey, and fresh basil. Scoop into bowls and serve with garlic bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you used pork sausage, drain any excess fat before adding vegetables to the pan.
- I prefer Rao’s marinara sauce to other brands.
- Feel free to add toppings before broiling, right on top of the cheese. Some ideas: turkey pepperoni, sliced olives, diced bell pepper, diced onions, pepperoncini peppers, banana peppers, diced pineapple, or any other pizza toppings you love.
So easy, cheesy, and delicious — you’d never guess they were full of fiber. The perfect comfort food!