Mediterranean Vegetable and Bean Casserole

Mediterranean Vegetable and Bean Casserole

Mia

This Mediterranean Vegetable and Bean Casserole is a celebration of the sun-drenched flavors that define the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Layers of tender seasonal vegetables—zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers—mingle with protein-rich white beans in a fragrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil. The dish embodies the essence of rustic Mediterranean cooking, where simple, wholesome ingredients are transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Inspired by traditional casseroles found throughout Greece, Southern Italy, and the coastal regions of Spain, this one-dish wonder brings together the best of Mediterranean produce. The vegetables soften and caramelize slightly as they bake, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a harmonious blend with the robust tomato sauce. Creamy cannellini beans add substance and plant-based protein, making this a satisfying main course that doesn't rely on meat.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility and the way it actually improves with time. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. A golden breadcrumb topping, enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender vegetables beneath. Serve it alongside crusty whole-grain bread and a simple green salad for a complete Mediterranean feast that nourishes both body and soul.

Nutrition

1 hour 15 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 11.00g
Carbs 38.00g
Protein 12.00g

Ingredients

1 mediumeggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 mediumzucchini, cut into 1/2-inch half-moons
1 largered bell pepper, diced
1 largeyellow bell pepper, diced
1 largered onion, diced
4 clovesgarlic, minced
1/4 cupextra virgin olive oil, divided
28 ozcanned crushed tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each)cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
2 tspfresh thyme, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cupwhole wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cupParmesan cheese, grated
3 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, divided
1 tsplemon zest

Equipment

Cutting board
wooden spoon or spatula
small mixing bowl
chef's knife
can opener
measuring cups and spoons
9x13-inch baking dish
grater
large skillet or Dutch oven
zester

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle perfectly, with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including vegetables, beans, and whole grains, while the small amount of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb topping represent the more indulgent 20%.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This casserole is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including colorful vegetables, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, and basil. It avoids processed foods, refined grains, and excessive fats while emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense plant foods high in antioxidants.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, canned beans (a pantry staple), whole wheat breadcrumbs, and extra virgin olive oil. It avoids refined sugars, artificial ingredients, and heavily processed foods while using recognizable whole-food ingredients.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns perfectly with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and minimal added sodium while using herbs and spices for flavor. The potassium-rich beans and vegetables, combined with heart-healthy olive oil and limited cheese, support blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This recipe supports blood sugar management with low-glycemic vegetables, protein and fiber-rich beans, and whole grains that provide sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. The balanced combination of complex carbohydrates, plant protein, and healthy fats helps maintain stable glucose levels.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating by centering entirely on plant-based ingredients including vegetables, beans, and whole grains as the foundation. The small amount of Parmesan cheese is used as a supporting ingredient rather than the focus, making this a predominantly plant-forward meal.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients—vegetables, beans, olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan—are naturally gluten-free.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy casserole features cardiovascular-protective ingredients including fiber-rich beans and vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, whole grains, and minimal saturated fat. It's naturally low in sodium when using low-sodium canned tomatoes and beans, making it ideal for heart health.

High-Fiber Diet

This casserole is exceptionally high in dietary fiber from multiple sources including cannellini beans, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and tomatoes. Each serving provides substantial fiber to support digestive health and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense casserole is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein from beans, and healthy fats from olive oil. The high fiber content from vegetables and legumes promotes satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying Mediterranean casserole honors intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced, nourishing meal that provides both pleasure and nutrition without restriction. The combination of textures, flavors, and wholesome ingredients creates a satisfying eating experience that respects hunger and fullness cues.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This casserole aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables, plant-based protein from legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats from olive oil. It's nutrient-dense, portion-controlled, and avoids processed ingredients and excessive saturated fats.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish featuring extra virgin olive oil, legumes (cannellini beans), abundant vegetables, whole grains (whole wheat breadcrumbs), and herbs. It avoids red meat and processed ingredients while emphasizing the plant-based, heart-healthy foods central to the Mediterranean eating pattern.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet-approved ingredients including abundant vegetables, beans, whole grains, and olive oil as the primary fat. It avoids red meat, butter, and fried foods while emphasizing the plant-based, Mediterranean-style foods shown to support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

This casserole is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and aromatic herbs that engage multiple senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and layered flavors encourage slow, conscious consumption and appreciation of each component's unique contribution to the dish.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe is almost entirely plant-based, featuring vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil. To make it fully compliant, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a completely plant-based version.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian casserole provides complete nutrition with protein-rich cannellini beans, abundant vegetables, whole grains, and Parmesan cheese. It demonstrates how satisfying and flavorful vegetarian meals can be without any meat, poultry, or fish.

Weight Watchers

This casserole features Weight Watchers-friendly ingredients including plant-based protein from beans, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains, with minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense, high-fiber composition creates a satisfying meal that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2 min
3
6 min

Add the diced eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until it begins to soften.

4
7 min

Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion to the skillet. Cook for another 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

5
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

7
4 min

Add the drained cannellini beans and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Stir everything together and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.

8

Transfer the vegetable and bean mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

1 min
9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley, lemon zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

1 min
10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

11

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

35 min
12

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

5 min

Frequently Asked Questions