Pizza Rice Bake Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

When pizza night meets comfort food, magic happens enter our Pizzaiola Rice, or Pizza Rice Bake. This dish combines the irresistible flavors of a classic pizza with the coziness of a rice casserole. The Test Kitchen swears by par-boiled long-grain rice, which stays fluffy and perfectly separated, soaking up the buttery marinara broth without turning gummy. Parmesan adds richness, while the golden brown layer of melty mozzarella and crisp pepperoni delivers the full pizza effect. The result? A hearty bake thats savory, saucy, and, according to our recipe testers, "might be better than pizza itself."

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked parboiled long-grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 15 pepperoni slices
• 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions

1. Gather all the ingredients. Spray 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 minced garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is lightly browned and aromatic, about 1 minute.
3. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until its lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the stock, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is almost fully cooked through, about 18 to 20 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
7. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce until the mixture is evenly combined.
8. Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Top the rice mixture evenly with pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
11. With the baking dish still in the oven, increase the temperature to broil. Broil for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
12. Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 275
• Total Fat: 13g (16% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (32% DV)
• Cholesterol: 33mg (11% DV)
• Sodium: 800mg (35% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g (10% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% DV)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 11g (22% DV)
• Vitamin C: 4mg (5% DV)
• Calcium: 221mg (17% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
• Potassium: 476mg (10% DV)

The History of Pizza Rice Bake

Pizza Rice Bake, also known as Pizzaiola Rice, is a creative spin on traditional pizza that merges Italian flavors with the comfort of a rice casserole. Though its exact origin is unclear, it is widely believed to have emerged in mid-20th century America as families sought simpler ways to enjoy pizza flavors without the labor-intensive dough-making process. The dish quickly gained popularity in home kitchens due to its ease, affordability, and flexibility, allowing cooks to experiment with toppings and sauces much like they would on a pizza.

Regional Characteristics

While rooted in Italian-American cuisine, Pizza Rice Bake has regional variations across the United States. In the Midwest, it often features hearty toppings like sausage, peppers, and extra cheese, catering to comfort food preferences. On the East Coast, recipes tend to emphasize marinara sauce and fresh herbs such as basil or oregano, reflecting a closer adherence to Italian flavor profiles. The dish is highly adaptable and can be made vegetarian, meat-heavy, or even spicy depending on local tastes and ingredient availability.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Though it resembles both pizza and casserole, Pizza Rice Bake is distinct in several ways. Unlike traditional pizza, it replaces dough with rice, which absorbs sauces and seasonings, creating a moist and cohesive texture. Unlike classic rice casseroles, it incorporates iconic pizza elements such as pepperoni, mozzarella, and oregano, giving each bite the recognizable taste of pizza. This combination makes it a hybrid comfort food that satisfies both pizza cravings and the desire for a filling, home-cooked meal.

Typical Serving Occasions

Pizza Rice Bake is versatile in its serving settings. It is commonly enjoyed as a family dinner, potluck contribution, or even a casual weeknight meal when time is limited. Its layered presentation makes it appealing for gatherings, where it can be baked in large dishes and served directly from the oven. It is especially popular in households where children enjoy familiar pizza flavors but parents prefer a slightly lighter or more nutritious alternative.

Interesting Facts

• The dish is sometimes referred to as "lazy pizza" because it delivers all the familiar flavors of pizza without the need for dough preparation.
• Parboiled long-grain rice is preferred because it holds its shape and absorbs sauce without turning mushy, a trick passed down among home cooks.
• Creative variations include using different cheeses, vegetables, or even swapping pepperoni for chicken or tofu, making it a truly customizable recipe.
• Despite its simplicity, Pizza Rice Bake has been praised for tasting better than pizza itself, showing the appeal of combining comfort food techniques with classic flavors.
• It bridges generations: older cooks appreciate its nostalgic feel, while younger cooks enjoy the novelty and convenience compared to making a pizza from scratch.

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