Tuscan Bean Casserole

Tuscan Bean Casserole by simply fresh dinners It seems that my Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup was a hit so I decided to go for a vegetarian casserole with similar flavours.  We`re all deep into the comfort foods now but there is no reason why they can`t be healthy.  This one brings you lots of protein and all the nutritious properties of kale, too. This was such an easy dish to make.  I always tell people who are afraid to cook that a lot of recipes are just a matter of assembling ingredients and this one doesn`t require much more than that.  A little sautéing here and a bit of boiling kale there and you`ve got yourself a casserole. Tuscan Bean Casserole by simply fresh dinners This recipe was inspired by a dish at bhg.com but I`ve made several changes.  I`ve left out the prosciutto because I don`t eat pork but feel free to add it if you want the salty crunchiness.   I also added shiitake mushrooms and used panko instead of regular bread crumbs.  And, of course you know what I`m going to say about the need for fresh herbs so I won`t say it again because I`m sure you`ve had enough, ha! Tuscan Bean Casserole by simply fresh dinners I added some seared halloumi cheese to replace the saltiness of  the prosciutto but if you want to keep it vegan and dairy-free, skip this part.  I seared the cheese just after the casserole came out of the oven and added it at the end.  I thought it would be too gooey if I put it in the oven. If you can get them, please use fire-roasted tomatoes.  They add that wonderfully smoky flavour to soups and casseroles.  I think this could be a very versatile casserole and you could add chicken, turkey sausage, pasta, or brown rice if you wanted to stretch it or have family members that need a little more in their meal.  I found it very satisfying as is but I get that people like their meat in order for it to feel like dinner.  Cheers! Tuscan Bean Casserole by simply fresh dinners

 

 

Tuscan Bean Casserole by simply fresh dinners

Tuscan Bean Casserole
Author: Robyn
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 3 cups shredded kale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 celery stick, diced
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 28 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
  • 4-6 thin slices of halloumi cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan cook kale in a small amount of boiling water for 5- 7 minutes or until tender. Drain well in a colander.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook for 4 until tender. Add mushrooms and cook an additional 2 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl combine cooked kale, onion mixture, beans, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of panko, the sage, garlic, and pepper. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 2-quart casserole. In a small bowl combine the remaining 2 tablespoons bread crumbs and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle over bean mixture.
  4. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until heated through.
  5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Optional: In the meantime, heat a small saucepan with just 1/2 tablespoon of oil on high heat. Once oil is hot, place slices of cheese in pan and cook on each side for about 11/2 minutes. Place cheese on casserole and serve.

 

18 Comments

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    October 2, 2014 at 5:57 am

    Ok, I need to make this. I LOVE WHITE BEANS and all the tomato and greens to go with it? This is on the menu in the next week; it is getting chilly around here! Hi Robyn! Anita

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 3, 2014 at 10:16 am

      I loved it, Anita, and if hubby needs more – add some chicken! Cheers. xoxo
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Bean CasseroleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    October 2, 2014 at 8:10 am

    You are fabulous, my friend, and your recipes are amazing! Once again you have shared something that not only looks delicious, but I know tastes great too 🙂

    Thinking of you, friend!
    Stephanie recently posted…Autumn CrittersMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 3, 2014 at 10:17 am

      LOL, you are so good for my ego, Stephanie. I need to paste your comment on my bathroom mirror to keep me smiling each morning! Thanks for visiting, kind friend. xxo
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Bean CasseroleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking
    October 2, 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Oh this casserole looks awesome!! Really looking forward to making it.

  • Reply
    Mindy
    October 3, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Yum – haven’t had lunch yet today and your beautiful photographed casserole makes me wish I could reach inside the monitor for a big scoop! You never cease to come up with healthy and tasty recipes. Great job girl : )
    Mindy recently posted…Giving Thanks Friday (and a winner!)My Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 4, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Awwhh, thanks, Mindy. Your comments always make the effort worthwhile, my friend. I took those pics outside but seems that I won’t be able to do that for much longer! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Bean CasseroleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
    October 3, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    This looks fabulous! We’re looking for some meatless meals…perfect timing! Thank you! Just shared it on my Facebook page! Thanks so much for linking it up with us at Foodie Fridays!
    Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Must Try Meals and #FoodieFridays no. 16My Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 4, 2014 at 9:19 am

      Thanks so much, Michelle. Funny thing is, I seem to be going towards more meat these days which is very odd for me. I’m loving turkey and putting it in everything. I’m sure it’s just a phase, lol. Thanks for the share. Always a pleasure to join your party!
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Bean CasseroleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Miz Helen
    October 4, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Hi Robyn,
    WE will just love y our Tuscan Bean Casserole, I just have to have my beans and this is a great recipe to try. Hope you are having a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen
    Miz Helen recently posted…Whats For Dinner Next Week 10-5-14My Profile

  • Reply
    Christine | No Gojis No Glory
    October 6, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    Ummm…this looks pretty amazing Robyn…and so nutritious! I’d probably have to add a little chicken or turkey sausage; my husband tends to turn his nose up at vegetarian dishes so I can only “torture” him every once in a while. lol Oh, and what was that you wanted to say about fresh herbs? I think I missed the memo…;)
    Christine | No Gojis No Glory recently posted…Chicken Pozole (Posole) Verde with Roasted Jalapeños & TomatillosMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 7, 2014 at 7:20 am

      Thanks, Christine. I think adding chicken is great for those who need that little extra.
      LOL, don’t get me started on the fresh herbs! Thanks so much for visiting 🙂
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday TidbitsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Cheryl
    October 11, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    I recently had a can of Progresso Tuscan Bean Soup (so lazy, right) and it was delish, so I must try yours – not to mention this casserole! It looks so delicious and I love what you said about people who are afraid to cook, it is sometimes faster and easier (not to mention healthier) to put together your own casserole than to try to make a boxed meal. So glad you shared this with us on TYSH recipe link party! I’ll see you next Tuesday! HUGS

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    October 12, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    This looks fabulous! Pinned. We couldn’t think of anyone better to party with! Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
    Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls

  • Reply
    Mary
    October 12, 2014 at 10:24 pm

    Hi Robyn, I love the kale in this recipe and all of the other ingredients, yum! I love the recipes you share! I’ll be featuring you this week, my friend. Take care.

  • Reply
    Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
    October 20, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    Hearty and delicious and reminds me of my grandma! Perfect dish!!!
    Michelle @ The Complete Savorist recently posted…Sage Apple Cranberry DressingMy Profile

  • Reply
    Happy Thanksgiving - simply fresh dinners
    November 25, 2014 at 6:01 pm

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