The 15-Minute Meal I Make for Pennies on the Dollar

It’s totally comforting.

By
Alexandra Shytsman
Alexandra Shytsman
Alexandra Shytsman
Alexandra Shytsman is a recipe developer, food photographer, and cookbook author. As the creator of The New Baguette, a plant-based recipe site, her mission is to demystify vegan food and inspire others to cook healthier meals at home. (The New Baguette is the winner of IACP's 2023 Food Blog of the Year award.)
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Published September 09, 2025
Alexandra Shytsman
Pan of stewed beans with spinach and tomatoes wooden spoon and sliced bread on a cutting board

Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

Canned white beans are one of my “safety net” ingredients. If I have a few cans of them in my cupboard, I know a complete homemade meal can't be too far away. Whether we’re talking cannellini, great northern, or butter beans, they're [almost] ready to eat straight from the can, affordable, endlessly adaptable.

These one-pan stewed beans with tomatoes and spinach are satisfying, but not heavy. Because the recipe starts with cooking lots of garlic with cherry tomatoes, the base flavor is reminiscent of pizza, which is always a win in my book.

These beans take just 15 minutes to make, so they’re ideal for rushed weeknights—and I personally love reheating the leftovers for breakfast. If you’re on the journey to eat more plant-based protein, or need a sneaky way to eat your greens, you’ve gotta give this saucy dish a go!

A plate of stewed beans with tomatoes and spinach served alongside bread

Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

Serving Suggestions

These beans are fabulous alongside fresh crusty bread—think sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette. If you have extra time to make a side dish, I recommend crispy roasted potatoes or easy roasted cauliflower. 

Simple Variations

  • Feel free to swap the spinach for chopped kale.
  • If you’re a fan of heat, toss some red chili flakes in with the garlic; alternatively, finish the beans with a drizzle of chili crisp. 
  • A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end would also be lovely, like parsley, cilantro, or basil.
  • For a cheesy finish, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Tomato-Spinach White Beans

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 4 servings
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium garlic cloves

  • 1 (10-ounce) container cherry tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or great northern beans

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 3 packed cups (2 1/2 ounces) baby spinach

  • 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Crusty bread, for serving, optional

Method

  1. Prep the vegetables:

    Grate the garlic on a rasp grater or crush it in a garlic press; set aside. Cut the tomatoes in half and set aside.

  2. Cook the vegetables:

    Heat the oil in a large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and break it up with a spatula. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt and stir to combine. Cover tightly with a lid, and cook until the tomatoes have collapsed and released their juices, 3 to 5 minutes.

  3. Add the beans:

    While the tomatoes are cooking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them well under running water.

    Stir the beans into the tomato mixture along with the water. Cover with a lid and simmer until the beans are warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. Add the spinach and lemon juice and serve:

    Add the spinach to the beans a big handful at a time, stirring and allowing each addition to wilt before adding more.

    Turn the heat off and add the lemon juice and pepper. Add more salt if needed. Serve hot. 

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

    Bowls of stewed beans with tomato and spinach served with bread on the side

    Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
279 Calories
7g Fat
40g Carbs
15g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 279
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 10%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 10g 37%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 15g
Vitamin C 16mg 81%
Calcium 158mg 12%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 1078mg 23%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.