Description
This White Bean and Pesto Bake is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal combining nutty brown rice, creamy cannellini beans, and vibrant cherry tomatoes all enhanced with flavorful pesto. Topped with crispy panko and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying vegetarian casserole perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup long grain brown rice
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- â…“ cup pesto
- 2 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Heat Broth: Warm the vegetable broth in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s boiling; this will ensure even cooking of the rice in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, mix together the brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, pesto, a pinch of salt, and halved cherry tomatoes until well combined.
- Add Broth: Pour the hot vegetable broth over the rice and bean mixture, stirring gently to distribute the broth evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and cook through.
- Check and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and check if the liquid has been absorbed. If there is still excess liquid, continue baking uncovered until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 5-10 additional minutes.
- Add Topping and Broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Place under the oven broiler for a few minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa for brown rice for a different texture and added protein.
- Use gluten-free panko crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add fresh basil or spinach for extra greens and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a spicier bake, add red pepper flakes to the mix before baking.
