step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
step 2
Rub a medium baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside. You could also use a cast iron skillet if you like!
step 3
Combine the Short Grain Brown Rice (1 1/4 cups) and Mushroom Broth (2 1/4 cups) in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed.
step 4
Remove from the heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes, covered, then fluff with a fork.
step 5
Place the Bacon (6 slices) on a rack over a foil lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until brown and crispy. When cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon and set aside until ready to use.
step 6
Meanwhile, prep other ingredients. Slice the Leeks (2), Shiitake Mushrooms (1 1/2 cups), and Cremini Mushrooms (1 1/2 cups).
step 7
Mince the Yellow Onion (1/2) and Garlic (4 cloves). Chop the Fresh Thyme (2 tsp) and Sage Leaves (6).
step 8
Rinse and drain the Canned Cannellini White Kidney Beans (2 2/3 cups).
step 9
Grate the Gruyère Cheese (1 cup), Fontina Cheese (3/4 cup) and Parmesan Cheese (4 Tbsp).
step 10
Heat the Olive Oil (1 1/2 Tbsp) in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When hot, add the leeks, onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
step 11
Add the mushrooms, thyme, and sage and cook for 8 minutes until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are tender.
step 12
Add the beans and cook for 1 minute until heated through.
step 13
Stir in the cooked brown rice and turn off the heat.
step 14
Add 2/3 of the crumbled bacon and 2/3 of the Fontina and 2/3 of the Gruyere and mix until well combined. Taste and season with a healthy amount of Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste) and Kosher Salt (to taste), if needed.
step 15
Turn out the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining fontina and gruyère.
step 16
In a small bowl, combine the Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs (4 Tbsp) and Parmesan Cheese. Sprinkle the mixture in an even layer over the casserole.
step 17
Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
step 18
Garnish the casserole with the remaining crumbled bacon and Fresh Parsley (2 Tbsp) and serve hot.
