Dinner

Smoky White Bean & Ricotta Traybake Recipe

Name: Smoky White Bean & Ricotta Traybake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491550H59M26S
Total time: PT-491550H59M26S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 tbsp tomato purée; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 200ml vegetable stock; small handful of thyme sprigs; 350g roasted vegetables (such as peppers, courgettes, aubergines, and onions); 700g jar white beans, drained and rinsed; 250g ricotta; Crusty bread, to serve; Green salad, to serve

ByNoah Steele January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

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Introduction

This smoky white bean and ricotta traybake is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining roasted vegetables with creamy ricotta and smoky spices, it’s simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a fresh salad.

A rectangular white baking dish with a green rim is filled with a thick, chunky stew of beans and vegetables in rich red tomato sauce. The stew has visible pieces of cooked beans, wilted dark leaves, and strips of red peppers, all mixed together with a slightly burnt, textured surface around the edges. In the center, a round wheel of soft white cheese sits partially broken open, showing its creamy inside. A silver spoon rests in the dish, scooping some of the cheese and stew. The baking dish sits on a green and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp smoked paprika

200ml vegetable stock
Small handful of thyme sprigs

350g roasted vegetables (see recipe below)
700g jar white beans, drained and rinsed
250g ricotta

Crusty bread and green salad, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
Step 2: In a roasting tin, mix half of the olive oil with the crushed garlic, tomato purée, smoked paprika, vegetable stock, and thyme sprigs.

Step 3: Stir the roasted vegetables and white beans into the mixture until combined.
Step 4: Make a small well in the center of the mixture and nestle the ricotta inside.
Step 5: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the mixture is reduced and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping and a green salad dressed with lemon for freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use different roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or aubergine to suit your taste.

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
If you prefer, substitute ricotta with burrata or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Prepare the roasted vegetables ahead of time to make the recipe quicker to assemble.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The dish may thicken after chilling; add a splash of vegetable stock or water when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A rectangular white baking dish with green trim contains a cooked bean casserole with a mix of small white beans, red peppers, and dark leafy greens in a reddish sauce. In the center, there is a thick round layer of soft white cheese, partially scooped out with a silver spoon resting inside the dish. The beans and vegetables form an uneven textured layer around the cheese, showing some browned and caramelized spots on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. A portion of a white plate with green and red leafy salad can be seen on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of jarred beans?

Yes, canned white beans work well. Just drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

This recipe contains ricotta, which is not vegan. For a vegan option, you can replace ricotta with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.