Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a cheesy, comforting, and utterly delicious vegetarian pizza casserole! This recipe is your weeknight savior, proving that healthy and satisfying doesn’t have to mean complicated. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort and maximum flavor – all in under an hour!
Why This Works
This recipe reigns supreme because it’s unbelievably easy, uses affordable ingredients you likely already have, and delivers big on flavor. The white beans add a creamy texture and protein punch, while the pizza seasonings bring a familiar, crowd-pleasing taste. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty and satisfying without the fuss.
Key Ingredients
- 🥫 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 🍅 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🍕 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🍕 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 🍚 2 cups cooked rice
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the cannellini beans roughly with a fork. Leave some texture for a heartier feel.
3️⃣ Add the crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese (reserve about 1/2 cup for topping), oregano, basil, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the bowl with the beans. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Stir in the cooked rice until everything is well combined.
5️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil before adding them to the casserole.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works just as well.
Heat Control
The 375°F (190°C) oven temperature ensures even cooking and a perfectly melted, bubbly cheese topping. Don’t be tempted to increase the temperature, as this could lead to burning before the casserole is fully cooked through.
Crunch Factor
While this casserole isn’t designed to be crunchy, the slightly mashed beans offer a nice textural contrast to the soft rice and melted cheese. For added crunch, consider topping with some toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-cooked rice to cut down on prep time.
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole is perfect for potlucks or taking to a friend’s house. Package it in a disposable aluminum baking dish for easy transport and serving.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Mediterranean: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for some of the crushed tomatoes and add a sprinkle of feta cheese.
🌟 Italian Herbs: Experiment with a blend of Italian seasoning instead of just oregano and basil.
🌟 Cheesy Supreme: Increase the cheese to 2.5 cups and add a layer of ricotta cheese under the mozzarella.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: If the casserole is too dry, add a splash of milk or water while it’s baking.
- Too wet: If it’s too wet reduce the amount of crushed tomatoes next time.
- Not browned enough: Broil for the last minute or two to brown the top.
FAQ
- Can I use other beans? Yes, kidney beans or chickpeas would also work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Can I freeze this? Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Speedy Vegetarian Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy families. Give it a try and share your culinary creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
30-Minute Veggie Pizza Casserole: Weeknight Winner
A quick and easy veggie pizza casserole that combines all your favorite pizza toppings in a delicious, hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sautu00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and black olives if using.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.