Description
This delicious vegetarian pizza casserole combines hearty white beans and brown rice with classic pizza flavors like marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Loaded with sautéed vegetables and herbs, this casserole is a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked white beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1½ cups pizza or marinara sauce
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, cooked white beans, sautéed vegetable mixture, and pizza sauce. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Pour the rice and bean mixture into the dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you like, add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute any white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans.
- Use vegetable broth when cooking brown rice for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the sautéed vegetables for more variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
