Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rice Bake is a family-friendly casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with hearty rice, savory marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz turkey pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cooked rice and mix until evenly combined.
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange turkey pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Turkey pepperoni keeps the recipe halal-friendly.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra pizza flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American