Pizza Rice Casserole

 submitted by Stephanie Pruitt

Pictured: pizza rice casserole with peppers and mushrooms

Original recipe from The Family Homestead

Ingredients:

• 3 c cooked lentil rice, made with bullion 
• 1 1/2 c cottage cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
• 2 t Italian seasoning
• 1/2 t salt
• Parmesan cheese (we use about 1/4 c)
• mozzarella or cheddar cheese to taste 
• opt: pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, green peppers, or other pizza toppings

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan, mix rice, lentils, water, and bullion and bring to boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook about 45 min or until water is gone.
2. Preheat oven to 325.  Combine cooked rice and cottage cheese and spread into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. 
3. Saute onion, garlic (and optional vegetables, if adding). Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasonings and salt. Spread this over the top of the rice. Layer optional pepperoni and olives.  Top with cheeses.  Bake 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.