Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1-3/4 cup water
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb ground sweet Italian sausage
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice:
- Combine rice, water, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Check tenderness – rice should be al dente. If still crunchy, add a bit more water and cook 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meat & Sauce:
- While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the meat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and frozen peas. Heat through.
3. Assemble the Skillet:
- Gently stir the cooked rice into the meat and sauce mixture.
- Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the skillet and let cook over low heat for a few minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious one-pan meal!
Tips:
- Rice choice: Arborio rice will create a creamier texture if preferred.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it your own: Try other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Substitute a different type of cheese if you prefer.
