Hey there, food lovers! If you’re looking for a savory, comforting meal that’s easy to make, this One-Pot Smoky Bacon & Mozzarella Rice is just the dish you need. The smoky bacon, melted mozzarella, and the rich flavors of sundried tomatoes and spices create a meal that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s all made in one pot no fuss, no mess! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a meal prep for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Fry the Bacon and Sundried Tomatoes
Begin by heating a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the smoked bacon medallions and the sundried tomatoes. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bacon will begin to crisp up, and the sundried tomatoes will soften, releasing their flavors into the oil. This creates a smoky, savory base that will infuse the rice with rich flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on the bacon, allowing it to become nice and crispy without burning the tomatoes.
Add the Garlic and Spices
After the bacon is crispy and the sundried tomatoes are tender, it’s time to add the crushed garlic, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the garlic and spices coat the bacon and tomatoes evenly. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the garlic to soften. This step is essential for building the depth of flavor that makes the dish so delicious. The aroma from the spices will fill the kitchen and get your taste buds excited!
Combine the Passata and Stock
Now, pour in the 150g of passata (tomato puree) and 375ml of vegetable stock. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits of bacon or sundried tomatoes that may have stuck to the surface. This will enrich the sauce and ensure the rice absorbs all those yummy flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting the passata and stock create a rich, aromatic base for the rice.
Add the Rice
Stir in the 210g of long-grain rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the pot. The rice should be added uncooked and washed, so it can absorb the flavors of the broth as it cooks. Bring the entire mixture to a boil once again, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the rice to simmer gently for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid, becoming tender and infused with the rich flavors from the bacon, passata, and spices. It’s important to keep the heat low to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot.
Add Mozzarella and Spinach
After 15 minutes, check the rice to ensure it’s cooked and that most of the liquid has been absorbed. The rice should be soft and tender, with just a slight bit of moisture left. At this stage, stir in the torn pieces of reduced-fat mozzarella and the handful of spinach. The mozzarella will melt into the rice, creating a creamy texture, while the spinach will wilt and blend in, adding a fresh flavor and vibrant color. Stir everything gently, allowing the mozzarella to melt completely, making the dish gooey and delicious. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and the dish is ready to serve.
Necessary Tools
- One large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Ladle
- A small bowl for mixing
One-Pot Smoky Bacon and Mozzarella Rice A Deliciously Flavorful Dish
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
80g sundried tomatoes
5 thick-cut smoked bacon medallions
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp mixed herbs
150g passata
375ml vegetable stock
210g long-grain rice
125g reduced-fat mozzarella, torn
A handful of spinach
Directions
- Fry the Bacon and Sundried Tomatoes
Start by heating a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked bacon medallions and sundried tomatoes. Cook them together for about 5 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy and the sundried tomatoes release their flavors into the oil. This will create a smoky, savory base for the dish. - Add the Garlic and Spices
Once the bacon is crispy, stir in the crushed garlic, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for a minute or two to allow the spices and garlic to become fragrant. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the rice. - Combine the Passata and Stock
Pour in the passata (tomato puree) and vegetable stock into the pot. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits of bacon or tomatoes stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - Add the Rice
Stir in the uncooked, washed rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors from the stock, bacon, and spices. - Add Mozzarella and Spinach
After 15 minutes, check if the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the torn mozzarella and spinach. Continue cooking for another few minutes, allowing the mozzarella to melt and become gooey and delicious. The spinach will wilt into the rice, adding color and extra flavor.
Notes
- Stir occasionally As the rice cooks, make sure to stir the dish occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Check the liquid If the rice is still a bit firm and there’s not enough liquid, add a little more stock or water to help it cook through.
- Mozzarella melting Keep an eye on the mozzarella as it melts into the dish. You want it to be gooey but not overcooked. Stir it in gently so it blends seamlessly with the rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this One-Pot Smoky Bacon & Mozzarella Rice with a side of fresh salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Add some extra protein by pairing it with grilled chicken or a fried egg on top.
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Smoky bacon, often made from pork, is cured and then smoked over wood chips to give it that distinct smoky flavor. It’s used in dishes across the world, from hearty breakfasts to savory dinner recipes, adding a unique richness and depth to any meal.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Smoky Bacon & Mozzarella Rice is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. With its rich, smoky bacon, creamy mozzarella, and the heartiness of the rice, it’s a dish that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Plus, the one-pot method means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a fun dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
