Description
Parmesan Pizza Rice Bake is a cheesy, family-friendly casserole featuring seasoned halal ground beef, fluffy rice, pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and halal beef pepperoni baked until golden and bubbly. This easy comfort food combines the flavors of pizza with a hearty baked rice dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb halal lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-24 slices halal beef pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Mix in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Arrange the halal beef pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, lightly crisp topping if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Day-old cooked rice works best because it stays fluffy during baking.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach for extra pizza-inspired toppings.
- Substitute halal turkey pepperoni or omit it for a different variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American