Greek-Style Baked Beans with Olives
These Greek-style baked beans with olives are slow-baked in a rich tomato-olive oil sauce with onion, garlic, and herbs. Comforting, hearty, and naturally plant-based, this dish is classic Mediterranean comfort food—perfect as a main with bread or a flavorful side to fish or roast chicken. Mild, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
⏱ Time & Servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 45–55 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Serves: 4–6
🧾 Ingredients
2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or gigantes; drained & rinsed)
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups crushed tomatoes or tomato pasta
¼ cup water or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
¾ cup mixed olives (Kalamata + green), pitted
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Optional finish: lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Build the Sauce
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat
Add onion and cook 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly golden
Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds
2️⃣ Combine
Add tomatoes, water/broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper
Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickene
Fold in beans and olives
3️⃣ Bake
Transfer to an oven dish and cover.
Bake 35–40 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes
Sauce should be thick, glossy, and gently no bubbling
4️⃣ Finish & Serve
Remove bay leaf
Stir in fresh herbs and optional lemon
Rest 5 minutes before serving
🌟 Why This Dish Works
Olive oil carries deep Mediterranean flavor
Tomatoes + herbs create a rich, mellow sauce
Olives add gentle saltiness without spice
Bakes beautifully and improves with time
📝 Tips
Use good olive oil—it’s the star
If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water
Make a day ahead for even better flavor
For extra richness, Crumble a little feta on top when serving
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I use canned beans?
Yes—rinse well to control salt.
Is this spicy?
No—completely mild and family-friendly.
How to serve?
With crusty bread, over rice, or alongside grilled fish/chicken.
🥗 Nutrition information
Calories: 320
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 30 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 9 g