Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a cheesy, comforting masterpiece with this Vegetarian Pizza Casserole! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Forget ordering takeout – this recipe is easier than you think and tastes way better!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses pantry staples, and is totally customizable to your family’s preferences. The white beans add a wonderful creaminess and protein boost, while the pizza flavors everyone loves make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
Key Ingredients
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍕 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3️⃣ Spread half of the tomato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Unroll the pizza dough and carefully lay it over the tomato mixture. You may need to gently stretch it to fit.
5️⃣ Spread the remaining tomato mixture over the pizza dough.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7️⃣ If using, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
8️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions, mushrooms, and bell pepper before adding them to the casserole.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, zucchini, or olives.
- If you don’t have pizza dough, you can use store-bought pizza crusts instead. Just make sure to fit them properly in your baking pan.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the casserole cooks evenly without burning. Lowering the temperature may result in a longer baking time, while increasing it might lead to a burnt crust. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
This casserole offers a delightful combination of textures. The soft, creamy white beans contrast beautifully with the slightly crispy pizza crust and the melted mozzarella cheese.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust (if using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking).
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole is perfect for potlucks or gatherings! You could transport it in a disposable aluminum pan, or get fancy with a reusable baking dish wrapped in a festive kitchen towel.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sausage: Add 1 cup of cooked Italian sausage (vegetarian sausage works great!).
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
🌟 Veggie Supreme: Load it up with your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, carrots, and zucchini would all be delicious.
🌟 Four Cheese Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or ricotta.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Casserole: If the casserole is too dry, add a splash of milk or cream to the tomato mixture before baking.
- Soggy Crust: Ensure the pizza dough isn’t too thin or overly wet. Let it come to room temperature before layering.
- Burnt Crust: If the crust is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly and cover loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! Cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use different beans? Absolutely! Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans would also work well.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs work perfectly fine! Just use about 1 teaspoon of each.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This Vegetarian Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think – we can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it! Share your creations with us on social media using #VegetarianPizzaCasserole!
Cheesy White Bean Pizza Rice Bake (Vegetarian!)
A hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of pizza with nutritious white beans and rice, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, white beans, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, bell peppers, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking.