Pizza Rice Skillet
A hearty skillet meal combining pizza flavors with rice and vegetables, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying cravings with melted cheese and savory toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 cup converted rice ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. Italian seasonings ⓘ
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce ⓘ
- 12 slices salami or 3/4 cup cooked chicken, cut up
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2.2 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add shredded zucchini and chopped onion; cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water, converted rice, and Italian seasonings.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 20 minutes until rice is almost tender.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over rice, then arrange salami slices on top.
- Sprinkle with drained mushrooms, sliced olives, and shredded cheese.
- Cover skillet and cook over medium heat about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the salami with additional vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes. If you don't have converted rice, regular long-grain rice can work but may require adjustments in cooking time. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your dish an extra kick. This dish is also great for using up leftover veggies or meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pizza Rice Skillet with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Lemon Eclair Dessert for a refreshing finish. You can also offer extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For best results, cover to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Rice Skillet contains roughly 511 calories, with 16g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1308mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of converted rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more water. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the simmering time accordingly and check for doneness before serving.
What can I substitute for Mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have Mozzarella, Cheddar cheese works well for a different flavor profile. You can also try a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex taste. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey texture.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Pizza Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be reheated easily. Just divide it into individual portions and keep it in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).