🌿 Rustic Roasted Vegetable & Cannellini Bean Bake

📋 Ingredients

For the Bake

  • 2 cups diced butternut squash
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a golden top)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Add butternut squash, red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cannellini beans to a large baking dish.

2️⃣ Season Everything

  1. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle in oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Toss until all the vegetables and beans are evenly coated.

3️⃣ Roast

  1. Spread everything out evenly in the dish.
  2. Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

4️⃣ Optional Cheesy Finish

  1. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
  2. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until melted and golden.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  • Serve warm as:
    ✔️ A vegetarian main
    ✔️ A side dish to chicken or fish
    ✔️ A meal-prep friendly lunch over quinoa or rice

🌱 Tips & Variations

  • Add protein: Mix in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or extra beans before baking.
  • Make it smoky: Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  • Add richness: Stir in a spoonful of pesto when serving.
  • Make it creamy: Add dollops of ricotta before baking.