Pizza Rice Bake (Pizzaiola Rice)

Name: Pizza Rice Bake (Pizzaiola Rice)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian, American
Ingredients: 0.25 tsp Black Pepper; 1 whole Cooking Spray; 0 whole Fresh Basil; 1 oz Grated Parmesan Cheese; 2 cups Marinara Sauce; 1.5 tsp Minced Garlic; 1.5 cups Parboiled Long-Grain Rice; 4 oz Part-Skim Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; 1 oz Pepperoni; 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 0.5 tsp Salt; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 2.25 cups Vegetable Stock

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹American Sugar-Free Gluten-Free Comfort-Food

Pizza Rice Bake (Pizzaiola Rice) layers marinara-coated rice with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni for a bubbly, pizza-inspired casserole. Garlicky heat from crushed red pepper balances the rich cheeses, while a quick broil adds golden edges and a touch of crispness. Serve it hot for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game-day side.

Prep10 mins
Cook40 mins
Serves6
DifficultyEasy

1

Assemble all ingredients. Coat an 8-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray, and set it aside.
2

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper, and cook, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the rice, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
3

Stir in the stock, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, stirring every few minutes, until the rice is almost cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes.
4

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5

Take off the heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup marinara until evenly combined.
6

Spoon the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7

Arrange the pepperoni and mozzarella evenly on top.
8

Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. With the baking dish still in the oven, increase the oven temperature to broil; broil until the cheese is just golden brown, 2 to 5 more minutes.
9

Remove from the oven and garnish with basil. Recipe developed by Amanda Holstein.