We love anything pizza in my house, and this Meat Lovers Pizza Rice Skillet was no exception! It combines all the flavors of a classic pizza, but with a twist. Featuring ground beef, rice, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is not only incredibly delicious but also budget-friendly. It is a one-pan wonder that is the perfect solution for a quick, easy dinner that tastes like pizza, and without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Rice
- Versatile: You can add your favorite toppings, from black olives to pineapples, for an easy, tasty dish that is suited to your personal preference.
- One Pot Wonder: This tasty recipe can be made in one skillet which makes clean up a breeze.
- Budget-Friendly: This budget-friendly recipe uses ground beef, rice, and mozzarella cheese as the main ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal that can easily feed a large group.
- Healthy Twist: This recipe gives you a healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough. By using brown rice or white rice, you add fiber and nutrients, while still enjoying the comfort of pizza!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Marinara Sauce
- Bacon
- Pepperoni Slices
- Quick Cook Rice
- Beef Broth
- Mozzarella Cheese
How To Make One Pot Pizza Rice
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften, then add ground beef. Cook the meat until no pink is visible, then drain off the excess grease. Season the meat with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Next, add in ½ cup of chopped bacon, 30 slices of pepperoni, marinara sauce, rice, and broth, stirring everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then turn off the heat.
Top the skillet with mozzarella cheese, the remaining pepperoni, and chopped bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella cheese has melted and become golden brown. Serve and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
Tip and Tricks for The BEST Pizza Rice Skillet
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Crispy Bacon: For extra crunch, make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy before adding it to the skillet. This will add more texture and flavor to the dish.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings! A good balance of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper will really elevate the flavor of the ground beef and rice mixture.
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Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the mixture simmer helps the flavors meld together and allows the rice to soak up the broth, so don’t rush this step.
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Oven Tip: For a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give the mozzarella cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
How To Store Leftovers
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Refrigeration: After your meal, allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: If you have extra portions, you can freeze the dish for future meals. Simply portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a medium skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out. If reheating individual servings, a microwave works well too—just cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with other cheeses like sharp white cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. However, mozzarella gives the best melt and texture, making it ideal for this recipe.
- Can I make this recipe with brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! You can use brown rice in place of white rice for a heartier, healthier option. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a little longer to cook, so be sure to check the package directions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef? Yes, you can swap ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage. Each will bring a different flavor to the dish, and you can season it with the same spices, like garlic powder and Italian seasoning, for a delicious twist.
- Can I add more vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as red onion, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the onions in the skillet before adding the ground beef.
- What if I don’t have marinara sauce? If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use pizza sauce or even your favorite pasta sauce.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion diced
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
- 25 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Bacon chopped
- 40 Pepperoni Slices
- 2 cups Quick Cook Rice
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 2 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat add the olive oil and diced onions. Allow them to sauté for 2-3 minutes then add in the ground beef. Cook the meat until no pink is visible then drain off the grease. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.
- Add in ½ cup of chopped bacon, 30 slices of Pepperoni, marinara sauce, rice and broth then stir until well combined. Bring mixture to a simmer then turn off the heat. Top with mozzarella cheese, remaining pepperoni and chopped bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
It was amazing I loved it and my family loved it!
Awesome! Im glad to hear it was a hit!