Description
This hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake is a comforting, wholesome dish combining nutritious brown rice, creamy cannellini beans, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and flavorful pesto. Topped with a crunchy golden crust of panko and Parmesan, it’s an easy-to-make vegetarian meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Heat the broth: Warm the vegetable broth in a microwave-safe bowl until it boils to ensure it is hot when added to the rice mixture.
- Mix ingredients in baking dish: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine the brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, pesto, salt (to taste), and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well to evenly distribute all components.
- Add hot broth: Pour the hot vegetable broth over the rice mixture and stir thoroughly to moisten the rice and integrate flavors.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and cook thoroughly.
- Check liquid level: After the initial baking time, remove the foil and check if there is enough liquid. If more cooking is needed, continue baking uncovered until rice is tender.
- Add topping and broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Switch the oven to broil mode and broil the dish until the topping turns golden brown and crispy, which should take 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Rinse the cannellini beans well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- You can substitute panko crumbs with regular breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer softer tomatoes, add them before baking; for firmer texture, add after baking.
- Ensure the broth is hot before adding to the rice mixture to jumpstart cooking.
