Description
A hearty and comforting White Bean and Pesto Bake combining wholesome brown rice, creamy cannellini beans, flavorful pesto, and fresh cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make casserole is baked until tender, topped with a golden crust of panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a nutritious family 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 the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to preheat thoroughly before baking the casserole.
- Heat the broth: Warm the vegetable broth in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it reaches a boiling point. This will help cook the rice evenly in the baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine the brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, pesto, a pinch of salt, and the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir the ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- Add broth and stir: Pour the hot vegetable broth over the mixture in the baking dish. Stir well to ensure the rice is submerged and all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until the rice is tender and absorbed most of the liquid.
- Check liquid and continue baking: Carefully remove the foil to inspect the moisture level. If the rice needs more cooking or liquid is too much, bake uncovered for a few more minutes to adjust the consistency.
- Add topping and broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs evenly over the bake, then top with grated Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler until the topping is golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if desired.
- Use gluten-free panko crumbs if you need a gluten-free option.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Make sure to rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
- If the top browns too quickly under the broiler, reduce the broiling time or move the dish to a lower rack.
