Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of all your favorite pizza flavors reimagined in a cozy, one-pan comfort dish, this Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s got all those gooey, cheesy vibes and bold Italian-inspired spices, but it’s completely meatless and packed with hearty ingredients. The combination of tender rice, creamy white beans, and bubbly mozzarella brings together both nourishment and nostalgia—perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering with friends. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply love a good casserole, this dish guarantees satisfaction in every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice pulls its weight: from richly flavored rice to the classic pizza seasonings, these ingredients create a colorful, crave-worthy bake. Don’t overlook the little touches—a sprinkle of fresh herbs or olives on top brings everything together beautifully.
- Uncooked rice (1 cup): Provides a satisfying base and soaks up all those delicious Italian flavors.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice with extra depth, adding a savory dimension.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lends richness and helps soften veggies for maximum flavor.
- Small onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic—essential for a flavorful veggie medley.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Pops of color and gentle sweetness liven up the casserole.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Earthy umami notes give the dish a pizza parlor aroma.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings in classic garlicky goodness—don’t skip it!
- Canned white beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy and protein-packed, these make the casserole extra filling.
- Canned diced tomatoes, drained: Burst of tangy, juicy flavor reminiscent of pizza sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb is the heart of pizza flavor.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds herby brightness and that irresistible Italian aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A touch of spice heats things up just right.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the whole casserole perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the savory notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Creates a melting, golden crown you won’t want to resist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds sharp, nutty flavor like no other.
- Sliced black olives (1/4 cup): Classic pizza topping for a briny finish.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (1/4 cup) for garnish: Fresh green herbs brighten up each plateful.
How to Make Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven works its magic, cook the rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions; this infuses the grains with an extra layer of flavor, a crucial foundation for our Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice.
Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables
While the rice simmers, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness comes forward—the base of deep flavor that will set this casserole apart.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Once your veggies are luscious and aromatic, add those minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Then, stir in white beans, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper (if you like a bit of a kick), salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine with Rice
Spoon the cooked rice into a large mixing bowl, then fold in your hot veggie and bean mixture. Mix until everything is evenly distributed—you’ll see colors and textures meld, just waiting to become something amazing in the oven!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the entire mixture into it, smoothing out the top. Scatter shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and those savory black olive slices over everything. This turns the Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice into something truly reminiscent of a classic pizza pie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted into golden, bubbly goodness. Once out of the oven, finish with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley or basil—this bright herbal note ties all the flavors together.
How to Serve Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice
Garnishes
For a true pizzeria finish, scatter a generous handful of fresh parsley or basil right before serving. If you like, a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a dusting of extra Parmesan takes it over the top. Little touches like these amplify the flavors and make every portion of Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines with simple sides: think crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like zucchini and carrots. A warm piece of garlic bread never hurts either—perfect for scooping up every cheesy, tomatoey mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve the Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice in individual ramekins for a bistro-style touch, or get playful by adding extra pizza-inspired toppings—sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or a scatter of arugula after baking. For a fun potluck, set up a basil and olive bar so guests can personalize their servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice stays fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors settle and marry!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date it so you’ll remember when to reheat your Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until bubbling and hot. Cover with foil while reheating to keep the cheese gooey and the rice tender—just like it was fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free, this Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice is entirely gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in extra pizza-inspired toppings like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes. They’ll blend seamlessly with the casserole’s flavors.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version, use your favorite plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are dairy-free, and your casserole will still be creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
Does this casserole work as a make-ahead meal?
It’s ideal for meal prep! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to heat through.
What’s the best way to get crispy cheese on top?
If you crave extra golden and crispy cheese, broil the casserole for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning—this gives your Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice that irresistible cheesy crust.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes rival the nostalgic comfort and bold flavors of this Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice. I can’t wait for you to bring this into your kitchen and make it your own, whether for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that captures all the best things about pizza—without the crust! Give it a try, and let every cheesy, hearty bite win you over.
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Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Loaded with nutritious ingredients like white beans, vegetables, and cheese, this casserole is a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetable-Bean Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rice in vegetable broth. Meanwhile, sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms.
- Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in white beans, diced tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings.
- Combine cooked rice with vegetable-bean mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses and olives.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences.
- Enhance the flavor by adding extra seasonings before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
