Description
A comforting and flavorful White Bean and Pesto Bake made with brown rice, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant pesto sauce, topped with crispy panko and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is baked to perfection and ideal for a wholesome weeknight meal.
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 get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Heat Broth: Heat the vegetable broth in a microwave-safe bowl until it is boiling; this helps cook the rice evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine the brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, pesto, salt, and halved cherry tomatoes, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Add Broth: Pour the hot vegetable broth over the rice and bean mixture, then stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil 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 the liquid levels; if the mixture is still too wet, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Add Toppings and Broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs and grated Parmesan evenly over the top, then place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and drain the canned beans to reduce sodium content and remove excess liquid.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially since pesto and Parmesan can add saltiness.
- Use fresh tomatoes for best texture, but you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- The baking dish size is important to ensure the rice cooks evenly; an 8×8 inch dish works best.
- Broiling the topping adds a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy bake.
