![Chesy white bean and kale skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-feat2.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet? Say hello to this delightfully cheesy bean and kale bake that tastes shockingly similar to lasagna (really, it does!). Beans are tossed with a saucy tomato base and wilted kale, then topped with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and baked until ooey-gooey. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together in a pinch with mostly pantry ingredients — feel free to swap out the kale for whatever veggies you have on hand!
Related: Warm Butter Beans With Lemon Zest, Ricotta and Parsley Pesto
ingredients
To serve
directions
![](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-ingredients.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Preheat oven to 475°F.
In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and shallots to pan and fry until slightly softened, about 1 minute.
![Olive oil, shallots and garlic in a skillet.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-1.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Add in tomato paste, mix with garlic and shallot, and fry for 1 minute.
![Tomato paste frying with olive oil, shallots and garlic in a skillet.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-2.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Add the kale, tossing thoroughly with tomato paste until kale is lightly wilted.
![Black kale in a skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-3.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Add in beans and vegetable broth. Stir to thoroughly combine
![Beans on top of wilted kale in a skillet.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-4.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Lightly mash some of the beans with the back of your cooking utensil — this will create a thicker, creamier consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
![Beans and kale in a thick tomato sauce in a skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-5.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Top beans with mozzarella and place in oven. Bake until cheese is melted and golden, 10-12 minutes. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy, cheesy top.
![Beans and kale topped with mozzarella in a skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-6.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately alongside crusty bread for dipping.
![Chesy white bean and kale skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cheesy-beans-feat.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)