White Bean Hummus

You won’t miss the chickpeas in this protein-packed white bean hummus! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make at home.

The post White Bean Hummus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

My family is a hummus family, through and through. My husband, stepdaughter, and I love to make White Bean Hummus, cut up a ton of veggies, and put on a big spread for a healthy snack! Now, my 3 year old daughter has joined the gang, and she’s crazy about this hummus, too. It’s a crowd-pleaser and works out to be much cheaper than store-bought hummus! You only need 5 ingredients and a food processor to make this delicious, protein-packed dip. I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does!

A hand dipping a carrot stick into a bowl of white bean hummus

What is White Bean Hummus?

We’ve been on a white bean kick recently here at Budget Bytes (Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes or chicken sausage white bean skillet, anyone?!), so it only makes sense that I share my favorite white bean hummus recipe with y’all. It’s just as delicious as traditional chickpea hummus but is made with creamy white beans instead. I add canned cannellini beans, toasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil to a food processor and blend until smooth—that’s it!

Side note: I love following Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and one of his teachings has always stuck with me: G-BOMBS! Fit in greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds daily, and you’re on the road to excellent health. This easy white bean hummus recipe combines a few of those requirements, so it’s always in my refrigerator as an easy-to-grab snack!

Ingredients for White Bean Hummus

Aside from the cannellini beans, this recipe stays true to the classic ingredients found in regular hummus. Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade white bean hummus recipe:

  • Cannellini Beans: Most of us probably have a few tins of this creamy white bean in the pantry, making it a great option for a last-minute dip! Drain and rinse the beans before using. Butter beans, navy, and Great Northern beans could also work.
  • Tahini: This is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s one of the main ingredients in most hummus recipes and adds a nutty, slightly bitter flavor. You can usually find it in the nut butter or international aisle of your grocery store.
  • Garlic: Crush your garlic cloves to release all that delicious flavor. We’ll toast them in a skillet before blending to mellow out the sharpness.
  • Olive Oil: Use it to cook the garlic and to add richness to the hummus.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances out the creaminess of the beans and tahini. 
  • Water: Use some cold water to thin out the hummus to your desired consistency.
  • Seasonings: Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors of this white bean hummus.

Serving Suggestions

This white bean dip is the best snack to take on the go! I dip everything from carrots and celery to crackers and pita bread in it. If you’re serving this hummus at a party, try drizzling some extra olive oil, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper on top (as I did in these photos!). Here are a few more ideas for serving this creamy cannellini bean hummus:

Storage Instructions

This recipe for white bean hummus makes about 4 cups, so there’s a good chance you’ll have leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the hummus before storing to help keep it fresher for longer, but this is optional.

Side view of a bowl of white bean hummus
Close up of a hand dipping a carrot stick into a bowl of white bean hummus
Print

White Bean Hummus

You won't miss the chickpeas in this protein-packed white bean hummus! It's creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make at home.
Course Dip
Cuisine Mediterranean
Total Cost ($4.15 recipe / $0.34 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 12 servings (⅓ cup per serving)
Calories 145kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cans cannellini beans, strained and rinsed $1.72
  • ½ cup tahini $1.28
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.57
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed $0.15
  • 4 Tbsp lemon juice $0.20
  • ¼ tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.22
  • ¼ cup cold water $0.00

Instructions

  • Gather all your ingredients and set aside until time to use.
  • In a small frying pan, combine smashed garlic cloves and olive oil. Cook on medium low heat to gently cook the garlic, swirling it in the pan occasionally to infuse the olive oil. After about 4 minutes or when the garlic has some light color on it, remove pan from heat.
  • In a food processor, combine cannellini beans, tahini, olive oil and garlic from the frying pan, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until smooth, streaming in cold water as-needed to help blend and smoothen the hummus.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your liking and serve with fresh vegetables, toasted pita or crackers. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 210mg | Fiber: 4g
A hand spooning white bean hummus onto pita bread

how to make White Bean Hummus – step by step photos

Ingredients for white bean hummus

Gather all your ingredients and set aside until time to use.

Smashed garlic cloves in a pan with oil

In a small frying pan, combine 3 smashed garlic cloves and 3 Tbsp olive oil. Cook on medium low heat to gently cook the garlic, swirling it in the pan occasionally to infuse the olive oil.

Garlic cloves toasted in hot oil in a pan

After about 4 minutes or when the garlic has some light color on it, remove pan from heat.

Ingredients for white bean hummus added to a food processor

In a food processor, combine 2 cans cannellini beans, ½ cup tahini, the olive oil and garlic from the frying pan, 4 Tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.

A hand pouring water into a food processor making white bean hummus

Process until smooth, streaming in ¼ cup cold water as-needed to help blend and smoothen the hummus.

White bean hummus in a food processsor.

Adjust salt and pepper to your liking and serve with fresh vegetables, toasted pita or crackers. Enjoy!

A bowl of white bean hummus topped with olive oil and fresh herbs

Who knew making hummus at home could be so simple? This creamy white bean hummus is the perfect snack or appetizer for the whole family!

The post White Bean Hummus appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Shrimp and White Bean Stew

Shrimp and white bean stew is a one-pot wonder packed with protein and bursting with flavor. It’s super filling, delicious, and easy to make!

The post Shrimp and White Bean Stew appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Seafood was always a special treat in my family growing up. My grandparents and mother loved it, so I learned to love it. If you’re a fan of seafood and want to try something new, you have to make this Shrimp and White Bean Stew! Unlike other stews that take hours to cook, this dish is super quick to make (ideal for busy weeknights!) Frozen peeled shrimp and canned white beans make it even easier to prepare, and you’ll make the rich broth from ingredients you might already have on hand. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests on a budget!

Overhead view of shrimp and white bean stew in a bowl

I grew up in central Massachusetts, but the beauty of living in New England is that the coastline is just a short drive away from wherever you call home. It might be more of a day trip if you’re in Western Massachusetts, but it can be done! And pretty much no matter where you live, seafood caught fresh that day is the only acceptable kind. (New Englanders are so spoiled when it comes to seafood!)

Here in Tennessee, while it’s possible to get fresh seafood, tracking down the frozen kind is much easier (not to mention more budget-friendly!) This recipe for shrimp and white bean stew tastes luxurious and rich but is made with easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break the bank. Canned white beans, frozen shrimp, and pantry staples like garlic and chicken broth all simmer together to create the most comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients for Shrimp and White Bean Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this lemon shrimp and bean stew recipe:

  • Shrimp: Use large peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe. I got a bag of frozen tail-off shrimp, which I thaw before using, but fresh shrimp is great if you can get it. If your shrimp still have tails on, you may want to remove them before adding to the stew.
  • Vegetables: Finely sliced parsnip, celery, and yellow onion add a subtle sweetness and nuttiness to the broth. Can’t find a fresh parsnip? You can substitute it with a carrot.
  • Lemon: I add lemon zest, not juice, to this shrimp stew to give it a bright, citrusy flavor. The zest adds a subtle tang without overpowering the dish or making it too acidic. Use the zest of half a lemon and slice the other half for garnish (that way, your family can add as much or as little lemon juice as they want).
  • Olive Oil: Softens the veggies and adds a delicious richness to the broth.
  • Salted Butter: A small amount of butter gives the stew a velvety texture and rounds out the flavor.
  • Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for maximum flavor.
  • Cannellini Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and extra protein to the stew. While I don’t use the liquid from the canned beans in this recipe, you can store it in the fridge and use it to thicken other soups, stews, or dips you might make. Navy beans, great Northern beans, or another canned white bean would work as a substitute if needed.
  • Chicken Broth: I use Better Than Bouillon to keep this recipe budget-friendly. You can also use homemade or store-bought chicken broth. Vegetable broth is an appropriate substitute for the pescatarians out there!
  • Parmesan: A little Parmesan cheese adds the best umami flavor to the broth, making it taste even richer and more luxurious.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: This is my secret ingredient for brightening up rich stews and soups! You can use rice or white vinegar if you don’t have ACV, or omit it altogether.

How to Defrost Shrimp Correctly

It doesn’t matter if the shrimp you use is fresh or frozen; shrimp is a great source of protein and can be a nutritious addition to any meal. But, if you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s important to defrost it correctly to avoid any food safety issues. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Refrigerator method: The safest and most recommended way to defrost shrimp is by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl or on a plate (either in the original packaging or covered with plastic wrap) and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours.
  2. Cold water method: If you’re short on time, you can also defrost shrimp by running them under cold water until soft and pliable. This will take about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Don’t thaw shrimp at room temperature, in warm/hot water, or in the microwave. These methods aren’t recommended and can cause uneven thawing or lead to bacterial growth.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this shrimp and white bean stew recipe with grilled bread for dipping, as it’s already very filling from the beans. However, it would also be great served over rice (cumin rice would be delicious), quinoa, or spaghetti. Mashed potatoes would also stretch this dish further and make it more hearty!

Storage Instructions

This lemony shrimp and bean stew is best when served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slowly reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Stir it often to prevent burning, and add a splash of water/broth if it thickens too much. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating!

A ladle scooping some shrimp and white bean stew from a skillet
Shrimp and white bean stew in a bowl garnished with fresh herbs
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Shrimp and White Bean Stew

Shrimp and white bean stew is a one-pot wonder packed with protein and bursting with flavor. It's super filling, delicious, and easy to make!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($11.22 recipe / $2.24 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 5 servings (1.5 cups per serving)
Calories 319kcal

Ingredients

  • 24 large peeled and deveined shrimp (1 lb) $6.47
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and grated with a cheese grater $0.49
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced thin $0.14
  • ½ yellow onion, finely julienned (cut into thin strips) $0.47
  • ½ lemon, zested (the other half, cut into wedges to serve) $0.68
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.22
  • 3 Tbsp salted butter $0.39
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.06
  • 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and strained $1.72
  • 1 Tbsp shredded Parmesan $0.33
  • 3 cups chicken broth* $0.24
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar** $0.01

Instructions

  • If your shrimp is frozen, thaw before beginning. I chose frozen, peeled, tail off shrimp.
  • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add grated parsnip, thinly sliced celery, and finely julienned onion. Cook until vegetables are soft and onions are glossy, but not browning.
  • Add salted butter and minced garlic
  • Once the butter is melted, add the thawed shrimp.
  • Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes total, flipping them in the skillet with tongs or a fork as needed so you don’t see any more undercooked gray spots. Be careful to not overcook them.
  • Remove shrimp and set aside. Then, add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and rinsed white beans.
  • Simmer until liquid reduces a little bit, by ¼ to ⅓.
  • Then, add shrimp back to the skillet with the grated Parmesan and lemon zest. Stir to combine and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. I love to serve this luxurious shrimp and white bean stew with grilled bread.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I used Better Than Bouillon to be more budget-friendly
**Apple Cider Vinegar reigns supreme as my secret weapon when it comes to soups. If you don’t have any ACV on hand, you can substitute white vinegar or rice vinegar, or skip it altogether. I love the brightness and tang that just a splash of vinegar brings to a rich and luxurious soup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1489mg | Fiber: 10g
Side view of shrimp and white bean stew in a bowl

how to make Shrimp and White Bean Stew – step by step photos

A bag of frozen shrimp

If your shrimp is frozen, thaw before beginning. I chose 1 lb of frozen, peeled, tail off shrimp.

sliced onion, parsnip, and celery in a skillet

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add 1 peeled and grated parsnip, 2 thinly sliced celery stalks, and ½ a finely sliced yellow onion. Cook until vegetables are soft and onions are glossy, but not browning.

Butter and garlic added to a skillet with celery, onion, and parsnip

Add 3 Tbsp salted butter and 2 cloves minced garlic.

Raw shrimp added to a skillet with white mirepoix for shrimp and white beans

Once the butter is melted, add the thawed shrimp. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes total, flipping them in the skillet with tongs or a fork as needed so you don’t see any more undercooked gray spots. Be careful to not overcook them.

A skillet with chicken broth and white beans, next to a bowl of cooked shrimp

Remove shrimp and set aside. Then, add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 cans of rinsed white beans. Simmer until liquid reduces a little bit, by ¼ to ⅓.

shrimp and white bean stew in a skillet with lemon zest added

Then, add shrimp back to the skillet with 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan and lemon zest from ½ a lemon. Stir to combine and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. I love to serve this luxurious shrimp and white bean stew with grilled bread.

Shrimp and white bean stew in a bowl garnished with fresh herbs

This shrimp and white bean stew is elegant, flavorful, and couldn’t be easier to make! You’ll love the combination of tender shrimp, creamy white beans, and tangy lemon in every bite.

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Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet

This Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet is a quick & easy one-skillet meal that’s filling, budget-friendly and delicious!

The post Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I think it’s time I told you about my love for chicken sausage. I don’t know when it started, but it definitely runs deep. This Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet is made with pre-cooked smoky chicken sausage to save you time and creamy white canned beans to save you money!! And I’m always excited to share a one-pan dinner meal with you, so this is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Overhead view of chicken sausage and white beans in a large skillet with a napkin and wooden spoon on the side.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet

My goal was to create a quick skillet meal that reminded me of slow-cooked beans and ham. You know the beans that cook for hours in a big pot and soaks up all that delicious flavor from a smoky ham hock bone? Yes, that was the goal. And I think I got pretty close! ;) Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Sausage: You’ll need 4-5 fully cooked chicken sausage links. Currently my favorite brand is Aidells smoked chicken sausage, but you can use whichever brand you like. I’ve heard great things about Trader Joe’s chicken sausage too!
  • Onion and Garlic: Diced onion and garlic cooks in the residual fat from the chicken sausage and adds lots of aromatics and flavor to the dish.
  • White Beans: I love creamy cannellini beans which is what I used, but you can certainly use a different canned white bean like great northern beans or navy beans.
  • Chicken Broth: A little chicken broth helps warm the beans through and creates a light sauce.
  • Spinach: I had a half bag of baby spinach leftover from my cheese tortellini and sausage skillet so I decided to add it here to reduce food waste and it gives the dish more color.
  • Seasoning: Smoked paprika to help achieve that smoky bean flavor, a little bit of salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. That’s all you’ll need!

Recipe Tips!

  1. Keep an eye on the chicken sausage as it browns in the skillet. It only takes 1-2 minutes on each side. So make sure to remove it promptly after it browns to keep it from burning.
  2. I like to use a very large 12-inch skillet when making this recipe so I can quickly brown all of the chicken sausage at one time in an even layer.
  3. Drain the canned beans but DON’T rinse them. The extra starchy liquid that’s stuck to the beans will help create a light sauce.
  4. You can replace the spinach with chopped kale if that’s what you have on hand.
  5. Top this easy one-skillet meal with some freshly grated parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor!

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SAUSAGE?

Yes! You can use any type of smoked sausage for this recipe. I just so happen to love chicken sausage, but beef, pork, turkey, or even kielbasa sausage would work just fine. Just make sure you are getting fully-cooked sausage links.

Storing Leftovers

Although the beans will thicken quite a bit after storing in the refrigerator, it will still taste great the next day. So feel free to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat easily in the microwave until warmed through.

Overhead view of chicken sausage and white beans on a serving dish with toasted bread on the side.
Overhead view of chicken sausage and white beans on a serving dish with toasted bread on the side and a fork lifting some out.
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Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet

This Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet is a quick & easy one-skillet meal that’s filling, budget-friendly and delicious!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.69 recipe / $2.17 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1.25 cups each)
Calories 254kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links (about 12 oz.) $4.99
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.08
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced $0.42
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced $0.16
  • 2 15oz. cans cannellini beans, drained $2.00
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1 cup chicken broth $0.17
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped $0.76

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken sausage into round medallions about ¼ – ½ inch thick.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and brown on both sides. It will only take about 1-2 minutes on each side. So be careful not to burn the sausage. Once the chicken sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the drained canned beans to the skillet (do not rinse the beans, the residual starchy liquid helps create the sauce), along with the salt, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cracked black pepper. Then pour in the chicken broth.
  • Gently stir everything together and bring the skillet up to a simmer. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach, then add the browned chicken sausage. Gently stir with the beans to combine.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread and some freshly cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

If your bean mixture gets a little too thick, feel free to stir in 2 Tbsp of water at the same time when you add the spinach.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 1392mg | Fiber: 1g
close up front view of chicken sausage white bean skillet.

How to Make Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet – Step by Step Photos

Aidells chicken sausage on a marble counter.

Currently this is my favorite brand of smoked chicken sausage, but you can use whichever brand you like.

Chicken sausage cut into rounds on a cutting board.

Slice 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links into round medallions about ¼ – ½ inch thick.

Browned chicken sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and brown on both sides. It will only take about 1-2 minutes on each side. So be careful not to burn the sausage. Once the chicken sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside.

Diced onion and minced garlic added to skillet.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil along with 1 small diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

White beans, spices, and chicken broth added to skillet.

Add 2 15oz. cans of drained cannellini beans to the skillet (do not rinse the beans, the residual starchy liquid helps create the sauce), along with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Then pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Gently stir everything together and bring the skillet up to a simmer. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.

Spinach added to skillet.

Add 2 cups chopped spinach to the skillet, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach. If your bean mixture has gotten a little too thick feel free to add 2 Tbsp of water at this point.

Chicken sausage added back to skillet with white beans and spinach.

Now add the browned chicken sausage to the skillet. Gently stir with the beans to combine.

Finished chicken sausage white bean skillet.

Now all that’s left to do is enjoy with some crusty bread and maybe a quick side salad. A simple one-skillet meal for the win!!🙌

Overhead view of chicken sausage and white beans on a serving dish with toasted bread on the side.

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Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes

This Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes recipe is hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to make!

The post Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This recipe for Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes is hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying. These stuffed tomatoes can easily be served over a bed of pasta or rice—super budget-friendly and extremely filling! Every time you cut into one of the tomatoes, it’s like you’re making the sauce for whatever you’ve paired them with. This recipe is absolutely delicious and a great way to use up those summer tomatoes!

Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish.

What Are Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes?

Stuffed tomatoes are such an underrated dish. You can stuff them with almost anything you have on hand—grains, beans, meats, veggies, cheese! In this recipe, I take inspiration from Tuscan cuisine and stuff the tomatoes with a hearty mixture of cannellini beans, four types of diced vegetables, breadcrumbs, Italian seasonings, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. Each tomato is then baked until it’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They’re like mini casseroles in tomato form!

Ingredients for Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this stuffed tomato recipe:

  • Tomatoes: I use large “slicing” tomatoes (the kind you might use for a sandwich). You can also use smaller, on-the-vine tomatoes if you’re cooking for more than 4 people or want them as a side dish.
  • Cannellini Beans: Adds protein and fiber, making this recipe even more filling and nutritious.
  • Vegetables: Carrots, yellow onion, and celery cook down to be soft, sweet, and succulent. I also add some diced zucchini for extra texture and flavor. 
  • Herbs: A sprig of rosemary and a dried Italian seasoning blend help give these tomatoes a Tuscan twist. Half a teaspoon of dried rosemary will also work if you don’t have fresh.
  • Seasonings: A little salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes help to enhance the other flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Softens the veggies as they cook and helps the tomatoes to brown in the oven.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The tanginess helps balance out the tomatoes’ sweetness and tenderizes the vegetables as they cook. It really helps the flavorful herbs pop!
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the filling with flavor.
  • Bread Crumbs: These help to absorb the extra moisture from the vegetables and create a nice, hearty texture. You can use any type of breadcrumbs you prefer.
  • Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite canned tomato sauce, or make your own from scratch!
  • Italian Cheese Blend: Makes the filling creamy and savory. I used the shredded Italian cheese blend from my local Kroger, but any type of cheese you enjoy and have on hand will work. Dairy-free? No problem. This recipe is great without the cheese, too.

What Type Of Tomato is Best for Stuffing?

You want large, firm, and ripe ”slicing” tomatoes for this recipe. Beefsteak and large heirloom tomatoes are also great options because they’re big and easy to stuff. Roma tomatoes could also work, but the oval shape makes stuffing a bit more challenging. For serving a crowd, I use smaller vine-ripened tomatoes so the filling goes further. Whichever variety you choose, make sure your tomatoes are firm and not mushy!

Tips and Suggestions

  • Dairy-free? Leave out the cheese. Trust me, the white beans add to the dense texture and creaminess of the filling, so they’re great no matter what your dietary restrictions are.
  • You can make the filling up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff and bake your tomatoes. Cook the stuffed tomatoes for a couple of minutes longer to heat the filling through.
  • This recipe isn’t just for tomatoes! You can use the same filling to stuff large mushrooms or bell peppers (stuffed bell peppers are delicious!)

Storage Instructions

Leftover Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. I wouldn’t freeze this recipe as the tomatoes may become too watery after thawing. However, the filling freezes well.

A tuscan white bean stuffed tomato with pasta.
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Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes

This Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes recipe is hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying. It's also budget-friendly and easy to make!
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Total Cost ($9.42 recipe / $2.35 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 51 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Servings 4 servings, 1 tomato per person
Calories 197kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large “slicing” tomatoes* $4.54
  • 1 can cannellini beans $0.86
  • 1 carrot, peeled $0.10
  • ½ yellow onion $0.47
  • 2 sticks celery $0.10
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.38
  • 1 zucchini, diced small $0.93
  • 1 sprig rosemary** $0.19
  • ½ Tbsp dried Italian herb blend $0.29
  • tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.03
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.12
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes $0.06
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.15
  • 8oz can tomato sauce $0.74
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs $0.16
  • ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend*** $0.29

Instructions

  • Hollow out 4 large tomatoes, keeping the tops and transferring the juicy seeds and inside flesh to a medium mixing bowl. Reserve everything!
  • Dice the carrot, yellow onion, and celery sticks into small pieces to make mirepoix (which is a combination of diced veggies used to flavor a recipe).
  • Pour 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil into a saucepan with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and the diced carrots, onions, and celery.
  • Once cooked down, about 5 minutes or until veggies are softened and glossy, add the insides from the tomatoes, diced zucchini, rosemary, garlic, and apple cider vinegar and simmer of on medium heat uncovered until a chunky filling forms and some of the juices cook down, about 10 min.
  • Add bread crumbs, white cannellini beans and tomato sauce. Stir until combined. Cook for 3 minutes.
  • Turn off heat and fold in shredded Italian cheese blend. Set aside.
  • Place hollowed out tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish. Fill each hollowed out tomato with the cheesy white bean filling and put their tomato “lids” on. Fill in around each tomato with any extra filling. Brush remaining olive oil on top of all 4 tomatoes and cover the entire baking dish lightly with tinfoil. Bake for 15 min at 375°F.
  • Remove tinfoil and bake an additional 15 minutes. Broil on high for the last 3 minutes to get some color on top of the tomatoes, if needed.
  • Serve each tomato over pasta or rice.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you want to stretch this recipe further for more than 4 people, you can buy slightly smaller tomatoes on the vine and follow these same instructions, serving the smaller stuffed tomatoes with more pasta or rice to keep your guests happy and full! In my experience, you can find tomatoes for much cheaper (and more flavorful!) when they are in season.
**Dried rosemary also works well.
*** I chose the shredded Italian cheese blend at my local Kroger, but provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan, and even cheddar cheese work well in this recipe—use whatever you have on hand!

Nutrition

Serving: 1stuffed tomato | Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 1245mg | Fiber: 4g
A tuscan white bean stuffed tomato on a plate.

how to make Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes – step by step photos

A knife cutting the top off a tomato on a chopping board next to hollowed out tomatoes and a bowl containing scooped out tomato seeds.

Hollow out 4 large tomatoes, keeping the tops and transferring the juicy seeds and inside flesh to a medium mixing bowl. Reserve everything!

Diced onions, carrots, and celery in a saucepan with salt and pepper.

Dice 1 peeled carrot, ½ a yellow onion, and 2 celery sticks into small pieces to make mirepoix (which is a combination of diced veggies used to flavor a recipe). Pour 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil into a saucepan with 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, ½ Tsp Italian herbs, and the diced carrots, onions, and celery.

Filling for tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a saucepan.

Once cooked down, about 5 minutes or until veggies are softened and glossy, add the insides from the tomatoes, 1 diced zucchini, 1 sprig of rosemary, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar and simmer of on medium heat uncovered until a chunky filling forms and some of the juices cook down, about 10 min.

Filling for tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a saucepan.

Add ¼ cups of bread crumbs, 1 can of white cannellini beans, and an 8-oz can of tomato sauce. Stir until combined. Cook for 3 minutes.

Filling for tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a saucepan topped with shredded cheese.

Turn off heat and fold in ½ a cup of shredded Italian cheese blend. Set aside.

A spoon adding the tuscan white bean filling to hollowed out tomatoes in a baking dish.

Place hollowed out tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish. Fill each hollowed out tomato with the cheesy white bean filling and put their tomato “lids” on.

Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish being brushed with oil.

Fill in around each tomato with any extra filling. Brush remaining ½ Tbsp of olive oil on top of all 4 tomatoes and cover the entire baking dish lightly with tinfoil. Bake for 15 min at 375°F.

Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish.

Remove tinfoil and bake an additional 15 minutes. Broil your baked stuffed tomatoes on high for the last 3 minutes to get some color on top of the tomatoes, if needed. Serve each tomato over pasta or rice.

A knife and fork cutting into a tuscan white bean stuffed tomato on a plate with pasta.

You NEED to try these protein-packed Tuscan white bean stuffed tomatoes the next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and delicious!

The post Tuscan White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Buffalo Beans and Greens

These Buffalo beans and greens are a little bowl of luxury on a shoestring budget. We just can’t get enough!

The post Buffalo Beans and Greens appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I love any dish where I can sneak in some kale without complaints from the haters; there’s just something so fun about sneaking them in and hearing the good ol’, “I usually hate kale, but this is SO good!” These Buffalo beans and greens pack in a whole lot of nutrition and flavor on a shoestring budget. Creamy white beans, rich kale, and wholesome diced veggies all tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Drizzle it with some blue cheese dressing, and I just can’t get enough! One of my favorite Nashville institutions recently closed (I sob) and they had a killer Buffalo beans and greens dish on their menu, so this tip of the hat goes out to my friends at The Wild Cow.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice on a white plate with white sauce drizzled over top.

What Are Buffalo Beans and Greens?

If you’ve made our Saucy White Beans with Spinach, then you know how good stewed beans can be. These buffalo beans and greens are a fun riff on the classic “Buffalo chicken” that all Americans know and love, but we’ve turned it into a veg-friendly complete meal. It’s a balanced, comforting, and wholesome meal with just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients for Buffalo Beans and Greens

Here’s what you’ll need to make buffalo beans and greens:

  • Unsalted Butter: Helps sauté the veggies without burning and adds richness to the dish. Dairy free? No problem, olive oil is a suitable substitute.
  • Vegetables: Yellow onion, celery, and carrots create a sweet, earthy, and crunchy base of flavor for this dish.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy and savory element to the dish.
  • Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are a great meat replacement and are packed full of fiber and protein.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Adds a touch of spice to the dish.
  • Blue Cheese Dressing: You can use as much or as little as you like. It’s just for a drizzle on top at the end. Blue cheese can be polarizing, so if you’re not a fan, you can leave it off or try a drizzle of Homemade Ranch Dressing instead!
  • Fresh Kale: Wilts into this dish to create a delightfully earthy flavor and texture.
  • White Rice: Serve these beans and greens over rice for a complete, filling meal.

What Else Can I Put In Buffalo Beans and Greens?

This is a great recipe for fridge cleanout day since it’s easy to add any number of leftover veggies, meats, or cheeses to it. Try:

  • Broccoli or cauliflower florets
  • Diced zucchini or summer squash
  • Cut green beans or asparagus
  • Frozen peas or corn
  • Cooked bacon, Italian sausage, or pancetta
  • Leftover shredded chicken
  • Crumbled blue cheese

What to Serve with Buffalo Beans and Greens

We love the simplicity of this dish served over white rice, but of course, brown rice is a great healthy alternative. You could also serve it over some Mashed Potatoes, Deruny, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Creamy Polenta, or Cheese Grits. And if you hate blue cheese, try serving these buffalo beans and greens drizzled with Homemade Ranch Dressing.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens in a pan.
overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice on a white plate with white sauce drizzled over top.
Print

Buffalo Beans and Greens

These Buffalo beans and greens pack in a whole lot of nutrition and flavor on a shoestring budget. I just can't get enough!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.61 recipe / $1.65 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories 569kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter $0.75
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced small $0.39
  • 3 celery stalks, diced small $0.26
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small $0.26
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced $0.42
  • 2 15oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed $2.56
  • 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce $0.52
  • 2 tbsp water $0.00
  • 2 cups fresh kale, chopped $0.50
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing $0.31
  • 1 cup white rice, cooked $0.64

Instructions

  • Cook rice according to package directions. (1 dry cup will yield about 3 cooked cups of rice.) Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
  • Dice celery, yellow onion, and carrots to make a mirepoix.
  • Add the butter, salt, celery, onions, and carrots to a large skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or just until the veggies begin to soften. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the white beans, Buffalo-style hot sauce and water to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat until the beans are heated through.
  • Add the kale to the pan and stir until bright green and wilted. No need to cook for too long. Serve a heaping spoonful on top of rice, drizzling blue cheese dressing over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 569kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 682mg | Fiber: 14g
overhead view of buffalo beans and greens over white rice with white sauce on a white plate with a fork.

how to make Buffalo Beans and Greens – step by step photos

finely diced onion, carrot, and celery on a bamboo cutting board.

Cook rice according to package directions. (1 dry cup will yield about 3 cooked cups of rice.) Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Dice 3 stalks celery, 1/2 of a yellow onion, and 2 medium carrots to make a mirepoix.

onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a pan.

Add 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, celery, onion, and carrots to a large skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or just until the veggies begin to soften. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

cannellini beans and buffalo sauce added to sauteed veggies in a pan.

Add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, 1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce, and 2 Tbsp water to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat until the beans are heated through.

kale added to buffalo beans in a pan.

Add 2 cups chopped fresh kale to the pan and stir until bright green and wilted. No need to cook for too long. Serve a heaping spoonful on top of rice, drizzling blue cheese dressing over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

overhead view of buffalo beans and greens in a pan.

This rich and filling buffalo beans and greens is sure to become a weeknight staple!

The post Buffalo Beans and Greens appeared first on Budget Bytes.