Name: Arancini Rice Ball Casserole for a Quick Italian Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ package sweet Italian sausage (casing removed) or chicken sausage (~2.5 oz or 14 oz, depending on your version); 10 oz 93% lean ground turkey or 1 lb ground chicken/beef; ¼ cup minced onion; 5 oz frozen peas; 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara; 1 large egg (+ 1 egg white, if specified); ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan); 1 ¼ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 4 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free); Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole for a Quick Italian Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Arancini Rice Ball Casserole is a comforting and quick twist on the classic Sicilian arancini. Instead of deep-frying rice balls, you get all the delicious flavors of arancini in an easy-to-make baked casserole. Layers of cooked rice, savory meat, peas, tomato sauce, and cheese are baked until golden and melty. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a crowd, and can be made ahead or frozen for convenience. A true Italian comfort food that will leave everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ package sweet Italian sausage (casing removed) or chicken sausage (~2.5 oz or 14 oz, depending on your version)
10 oz 93% lean ground turkey or 1 lb ground chicken/beef
¼ cup minced onion
5 oz frozen peas
2 cups tomato sauce or marinara
1 large egg (+ 1 egg white, if specified)
½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
1 ¼ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free)
Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Rice: Cook the rice with 1 teaspoon of salt according to package directions. Once done, set aside to cool.
Cook the Sausage and Meat: In a skillet, cook the sausage (or chicken/turkey) until browned. Add the minced onion and cook until softened.
Simmer the Meat Sauce: Stir in the frozen peas and about 1 cup of tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the beaten egg(s), Pecorino Romano, and about ½ cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly oil or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of the dish with breadcrumbs.
Layer the Casserole: Press half of the rice mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Then, spread the meat, pea, and tomato mixture evenly over the rice.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle ¾ to 1¼ cups of mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
Top Layer: Top with the remaining rice mixture, pressing it down evenly. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional resting or freezing time)

Variations

Vegetable Swaps: You can swap the peas for other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Use Fontina or Gruyère cheese for a different texture and flavor, or add extra mozzarella for a cheesier finish.
Meat Options: Feel free to use ground beef, chicken, or turkey instead of sausage for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the tomato sauce is gluten-free to make this dish entirely gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake from frozen, adding extra time if necessary.

Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?

It’s best to use long-grain rice for the best texture. Instant rice may not hold up as well in the casserole and could affect the final consistency.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Ensure that the rice is cooked and cooled properly before assembling, and don’t over-saturate the layers with sauce. The baking time and breadcrumb topping will help keep the texture firm.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This casserole is freezer-friendly. Assemble and freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a mixture of sautéed vegetables or plant-based sausage. You can also add extra cheese for flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole is the perfect hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish for any occasion. With layers of savory rice, seasoned meat, peas, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, this dish combines all the flavors of classic arancini in an easy-to-make casserole. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner, and you can even make it ahead of time or freeze it for later. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole for a Quick Italian Dinner