Hey foodies! If you love pizza and rice, then this Meat Lover’s Pizza Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal! Imagine all the cheesy, meaty goodness of a loaded pizza, but mixed with fluffy rice and baked to perfection in one skillet. Yup, it’s as amazing as it sounds—plus, it’s super easy to make!
Perfect for busy days when you want something hearty, delicious, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it serves 4 hungry people (or 2 very hungry ones, no judgment here ). Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Because great food starts with great ingredients!)
Grocery List:
✅ 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor!)
✅ 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
✅ 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
✅ 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (because more cheese = more happiness)
✅ ½ cup pepperoni slices (regular or mini)
✅ ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
✅ ½ cup diced onions
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅ ½ tsp paprika
✅ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
✅ Salt & black pepper to taste
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional but pretty!)
Pro Tip: Swap in your favorite pizza toppings—mushrooms, olives, or even bacon would be !
⏳ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 10 mins
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Cook Time: 25 mins
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Total Time: 35 mins
(Faster than delivery, and way tastier!)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Brown the Meat
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sauté for 2 mins until fragrant.
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Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned (about 5-6 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
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Stir in uncooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in 1 ½ cups water, mix well, and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Let It Cook
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Cover with a lid (or foil) and cook on low heat for 15-18 mins, or until rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cheesy Pizza Magic
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Once rice is cooked, remove lid and top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
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If your skillet is oven-safe, broil for 2-3 mins until cheese is bubbly and golden. (No oven? Just cover for 2 mins to melt cheese!)
Step 5: Garnish & Serve!
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Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley (if using).
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Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Helpful Tips & Notes
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Rice Swap: Use instant rice for a quicker cook time (adjust liquid as needed).
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Extra Crispy? Broil for an extra minute for that perfect bubbly cheese crust.
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Leftovers? Reheat in the skillet or microwave—tastes just as good the next day!
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Vegetarian Option? Skip the meat, add mushrooms, spinach, and extra cheese!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~550 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Carbs: 45g
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Fat: 28g
(Indulgent but worth every bite! Balance it with a side salad if you’re feeling fancy. )
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ ONE-PAN MEAL – Less dishes, more flavor!
✔ PIZZA + RICE = GENIUS – The ultimate comfort food mashup.
✔ FAMILY-FRIENDLY – Kids and adults will devour it!
✔ CUSTOMIZABLE – Use your favorite toppings!
Call to Action!
Want more easy, delicious recipes like this? Grab my eBook “Sip & Savor” for 150+ must-try dishes—perfect for home cooks who love bold flavors! Click here to download!
Love my kitchen tools? You can find all the skillets, utensils, and gadgets I use on my Amazon Storefront here! (I get a small commission at no extra cost to you—thanks for supporting my recipes! )
Let’s Chat!
Have you tried this Pizza Rice Skillet? Tag me on Instagram —I’d love to see your cheesy creations! ✨
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Now go make this and thank me later!
