Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice

Looking for a hearty, meatless meal the whole family will love? This Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into one wholesome, comforting dish—without the meat. Packed with nutritious ingredients like white beans, brown rice, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking healthy meal casseroles or vegetarian recipes with beans that don’t skimp on taste.

Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, this vegetarian rice and bean casserole is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and completely satisfying. Even meat-eaters will be asking for seconds!

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What Is Vegetarian Pizza Casserole?

This dish is a fun, nutritious take on traditional pizza, transformed into a gluten-free, vegetarian casserole that’s layered with flavor. It includes all the classic pizza elements—cheese, tomato sauce, Italian herbs—along with rice and white beans to boost the protein and make it extra filling.

There’s no dough, no meat, and no guilt. Just comforting, cheesy goodness baked into one pan. It’s also perfect for those who love casserole recipes meatless and need a reliable dish that’s both family-friendly and full of veggies.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole brings together the heartiness of rice, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the rich umami of tomato sauce to satisfy those pizza cravings without the takeout.

• High-protein and fiber-rich thanks to beans and whole grains
• Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
• Easy to prepare ahead of time or freeze for later
• Customizable with favorite pizza toppings

Whether you’re following a meatless meal plan or just want to mix up your dinner rotation, this dish hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and fridge.

Base Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Casserole Mix:

• 1½ cups cooked white beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1½ cups pizza or marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Tip: You can substitute brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for added nutrition or a lower-carb option.

Essential Equipment for Easy Casserole Cooking

Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own)

How to Make Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with Beans and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook another minute.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, white beans, sautéed vegetables, and pizza sauce. Stir until evenly coated.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour in the rice and bean mixture and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add Parmesan if using.

Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

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Expert Advice for Making the Best Vegetarian Casserole

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and taste.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky pizza flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to firm up.
• If you like extra crunch, add sliced olives or chopped mushrooms on top before baking.

For a spicy version, stir in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the sauce mix.

Customize Your Casserole with Favorite Pizza Toppings

What makes this recipe fun is how easily you can customize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

• Add Sliced Olives or Mushrooms: Give it a Mediterranean touch.
• Swap in Spinach or Kale: Stir chopped greens into the rice mix for more fiber.
• Use Vegan Cheese: Make it dairy-free while keeping it melty.
• Include Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: For bursts of natural sweetness.

This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to experiment!

Avoid These Errors for a Flavorful, Perfectly Textured Bake

Even easy casseroles can go sideways if you skip the small stuff. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using uncooked rice or beans: Pre-cook both to avoid a mushy or undercooked dish.
• Adding watery veggies without draining: Zucchini especially can release too much moisture.
• Overbaking: Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready!
• Not seasoning enough: Salt is key to bringing out those pizza flavors.

Creative Serving and Presentation Ideas

This dish is already colorful and cheesy, but with a little styling, it becomes dinner-party worthy.

• Slice into squares and stack for a neat, clean presentation.
• Serve in individual ramekins for portion control.
• Add a side salad for balance and a pop of green.
• Garnish with crushed red pepper and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish.

Make-Ahead and Store for Easy Weeknight Meals

This casserole is ideal for batch cooking. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezer:
Freeze the baked casserole in portions or whole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

Meal Prep Tip:
Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Why This Gluten-Free, Meatless Casserole is a Smart Choice

This vegetarian pizza casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional value.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Calcium: 18% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

It’s a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that works well for both kids and adults, making it a go-to for healthy meal casseroles and meatless dinners alike.

Healthy Side Dish Ideas and Non-Alcoholic Pairings

Round out your meal with these easy and healthy sides:

• Cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
• Sparkling water with fresh lime
• Herbal iced tea or infused water

These options add freshness and texture to balance the richness of the casserole.

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Answers to Your Vegetarian Casserole Cooking Questions

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, just rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely—just swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes, cooked quinoa works well and adds a nutty flavor.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
Use marinara or tomato sauce and add extra oregano, basil, and garlic.

Can I cook this in advance?
Yes, you can prep and refrigerate it up to a day before baking.

A Crowd-Pleasing, Meatless Casserole for All Occasions

This Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice delivers everything you love about comfort food—cheesy, savory, and satisfying—with a healthy, meatless twist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or as a make-ahead freezer meal.

Whether you’re looking for a new vegetarian bean casserole, a go-to meatless meal with rice, or just a cozy dish that’s easy and nourishing, this one is sure to become a household favorite.

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