Description
A comforting and wholesome White Bean and Pesto Bake with Brown Rice combining tender white beans, fragrant basil pesto, and nutty brown rice, baked to golden perfection with an optional cheesy topping. This nutritious dish is easy to prepare, packed with fiber and protein, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown rice (or 2 ½ cups cooked brown rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked white beans)
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the brown rice according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain any excess water and set the rice aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent. This builds a flavorful base for the bake.
- Mix Beans and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, white beans, pesto sauce, sautéed garlic and onions, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Gently fold everything together to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread the ingredients, then top with shredded mozzarella or your preferred cheese, if using, for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly crisp. Let the dish cool briefly before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use freshly made or high-quality pesto for best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the brown rice; keep it slightly firm to avoid a mushy bake.
- Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Sauté garlic and onion separately before mixing to deepen flavor.
- Allow the bake to rest briefly after baking to help it firm up and enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg