If you are searching for a comforting and wholesome meal that combines all the favorite flavors of pizza in a hearty, easy-to-make dish, this Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with nutritious white beans, fluffy brown rice, savory marinara, and melty cheeses, this casserole brings all the pizza charm without the fuss of dough. It’s perfectly balanced in texture and bursting with classic herbaceous flavors that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible mix of textures, colors, and flavors that make this casserole a standout. From the creamy beans adding protein and body, to the aromatic herbs elevating the tomato base, every item is essential.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing vegetables and developing flavor.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Bell pepper (diced): Offers a subtle crunch and bright color contrast.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with classic savory notes.
- Dried oregano: A staple in pizza seasoning, giving a warm herbal aroma.
- Dried basil: Enhances the sauce with mildly sweet, peppery flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle spice kick if you like a little heat.
- White beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Creamy texture and protein-rich base.
- Cooked brown rice (2 cups): Brings a hearty, nutty element and great bite.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1 1/2 cups): The zesty tomato core that ties everything together.
- Sliced black olives (1/2 cup): Adds a briny, savory pop throughout the casserole.
- Chopped mushrooms (1/2 cup): Earthy undertones that complement the other vegetables.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that classic gooey pizza feel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, salty finish on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh herbal garnish to brighten the presentation and taste.
How to Make Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper and let them cook gently for about five minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This creates a sweet and tender vegetable base that livens up every bite of the casserole.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about a minute until the spices bloom and the aroma fills your kitchen. These herbs anchor the whole dish with those signature pizza-inspired flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Core Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the white beans, cooked brown rice, and marinara sauce. Stir well to blend all the elements together, ensuring the rice and beans soak up the tomato goodness. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to bring out the best taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Additional Toppings
Fold in the sliced black olives and chopped mushrooms for extra texture and savory hints that mimic pizza’s beloved toppings. These ingredients add bursts of flavor that’ll keep your taste buds excited throughout.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your delicious mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes; then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This baking step melts everything together into a luscious, mouthwatering casserole.
How to Serve Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil right before serving not only lifts the flavors with a burst of herbaceous brightness but also adds a pop of vibrant green that makes the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread for dipping. These sides add freshness or complementary crunch while letting the casserole shine as the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bake it in colorful single-serving dishes for personalized portions. You can also add extra toppings like chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach right before baking to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to your favorite pizza flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for leftover lunches or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, or microwave individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot. This will restore that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice works well if you prefer a softer texture, though brown rice provides a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making the dish even heartier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free marinara sauce, this casserole is naturally gluten-free and safe for most gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this vegan?
Definitely. Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and you’ll have a wonderful vegan version that still has all the cheesy goodness.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Spinach, zucchini, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions to customize it to your liking.
How spicy is this casserole?
The red pepper flakes are optional. If you prefer no heat, simply omit them. For a gentle kick, use the suggested amount or adjust according to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. It brings together the familiar comfort of pizza with the healthy heartiness of beans and rice, making it an effortless weeknight favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with its cozy, cheesy goodness just like I have!
Print
Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and delicious vegetarian pizza casserole combining nutritious white beans, brown rice, and classic pizza flavors baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Dry and Canned Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the drained white beans, cooked brown rice, and marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Incorporate Additional Toppings: Fold in the sliced black olives and chopped mushrooms evenly through the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to warm through.
- Uncover and Bake Further: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding other pizza toppings like chopped spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a vegan-friendly version, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Using gluten-free marinara sauce makes this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely for quick meals the next day.
