When life gets hectic, meals that come together quickly and nourish your soul are pure gold. This White Bean and Pesto Bake is exactly that — a simple “dump and bake” casserole that’s hearty, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time. With creamy cannellini beans, fragrant pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan crust, it’s a vegetarian dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in about an hour.

White Bean and Pesto Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless one-dish meal: Just assemble, pour broth, and bake. Minimal cleanup required.
Hearty and wholesome: Brown rice and white beans pack fiber and protein for lasting satisfaction.
Burst of fresh flavor: Sweet tomatoes and herby pesto brighten every bite.
Customizable topping: Crunchy panko and Parmesan create a golden crust — add extra pesto for more zing.
Great for meal prep: Makes a large batch that reheats beautifully for lunches or dinner leftovers.

Ingredients

(tip: you’ll find the full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below)

2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup long grain brown rice
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup pesto (plus extra for topping, optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup panko crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the vegetable broth in the microwave or on the stove until boiling.

Step 2: Assemble the bake

In an 8×8-inch baking dish, combine the rice, cannellini beans, pesto, salt, and cherry tomatoes. Stir well to mix.

Step 3: Add broth and bake

Carefully pour the hot vegetable broth over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake for 60-65 minutes, until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Crisp the topping

Remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam). If any liquid remains, bake uncovered for 3-4 more minutes until evaporated.

Sprinkle panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and add extra pesto on top if desired. Serve warm as a main dish or side.

Variations

Use quinoa or white rice instead of brown rice for a different texture.
Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
Swap cannellini beans for great northern or navy beans.
Stir in roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch.
Make it vegan by omitting Parmesan or using a vegan cheese substitute.

Heating and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave in shorter bursts stirring occasionally. The topping may lose some crunch but the flavors remain delicious.

FAQ

How long does the bake keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in a sealed container.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze before baking. Cover tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time to cook through.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but reduce baking time to about 45-50 minutes, checking rice tenderness.

Is pesto necessary?

Pesto adds signature flavor, but you can substitute with a mix of basil, garlic, and olive oil or a prepared herb sauce.

Can I add meat or other proteins?

Grilled chicken or sausage can be stirred in before baking for a non-vegetarian version.

What if I don’t have panko?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work fine for the topping.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko or omit the topping.

Does the bake reheat well?

Yes, it reheats nicely in the oven or microwave.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Assemble the dish up to a day before baking, store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, dice fresh tomatoes but reduce quantity slightly to avoid excess liquid.

Conclusion

The White Bean and Pesto Bake is the perfect easy weeknight meal when you want something nourishing without the fuss. With hearty brown rice, creamy beans, bright tomatoes, and a crisp cheesy topping, it’s wholesome comfort food made simple. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will become a go-to in your recipe rotation.