Cheesy Italian Rice Dinner (Print Version)
A filling Italian dinner with beef, marinara, rice, and melted mozzarella in one pot.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat and Dairy
01 -
1 pound lean ground beef
02 -
⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
03 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
04 -
1 green bell pepper, small diced
05 -
1 small sweet onion, small diced
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pantry Items
07 -
½ tablespoon garlic powder
08 -
½ tablespoon onion powder
09 -
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
10 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 -
2 cups beef broth
12 -
32 ounce jar marinara sauce
13 -
1 cup long grain white rice
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine lean ground beef, freshly grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
02 -
In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef mixture along with diced green bell pepper and sweet onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
03 -
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one minute until fragrant.
04 -
Pour in beef broth and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 -
Stir in long grain white rice evenly into the mixture.
06 -
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until rice is tender and most liquid has evaporated.
07 -
Remove from heat, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
08 -
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and allow to melt before serving.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
For quicker preparation, pre-seasoning the beef meat mixture enhances flavor penetration. Minute rice can be substituted but use less liquid for less sauciness.