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
Scale
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.
