If you’re craving a comforting dish that captures all the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional arancini but with a fuss-free twist, you’re going to love this Arancini Casserole Recipe. It layers creamy ricotta rice, savory Italian sausage in tomato sauce, and a luscious blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses into one hearty casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as weeknight leftovers. Every bite marries the nostalgic flavors of Sicilian rice balls with the ease of a baked dish, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of creaminess, savory flavor, and cheesy delight in this Arancini Casserole Recipe. Each element brings something special to the table, from the tangy sour cream to the fragrant Italian seasoning that really makes the sauce sing.
- 3½ cups cooked rice: The base that holds everything together with a tender, slightly sticky texture perfect for baking.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a rich creaminess that keeps the casserole moist and soft.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 cup green peas: A pop of color and slight sweetness for balance and freshness.
- ½ tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder): Infuses gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect herb blend that lends warmth and a Mediterranean flair.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For melty, gooey goodness mixed into the rice and sprinkled on top.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch both inside and as a topping.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): The hearty, savory protein that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed): Provides an aromatic boost to the sauce and meat.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with classic herbaceous notes.
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the meat sauce.
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce: The luscious base for the sausage sauce layer, rich and comforting.
How to Make Arancini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rice Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, brightly sweet green peas, garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and half of your shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Mix gently but thoroughly. This combination forms the luscious, cheesy base that’s reminiscent of the beloved arancini filling but in an easy casserole form.
Step 2: Layer the Rice Base
Spread your rice and cheese mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will be the foundation upon which the rich sausage and tomato sauce will shine. Taking time to level it helps the casserole cook evenly and look inviting once baked.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Make the Sauce
Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain off excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy, then return the sausage to the pan. Add the crushed garlic cloves, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, sprinkle in the additional Italian seasoning and dried onion flakes. Stir everything well and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a savory, fragrant sauce that will perfectly complement the creamy rice base.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the hot sausage and tomato sauce mixture over the rice layer in your baking dish, creating beautiful, distinct layers. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. This final cheesy layer will bake into a golden, bubbly crown that elevates this dish from everyday to extraordinary.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt and brown in spots, the sauce will thicken slightly, and the whole dish will heat through, transforming all those simple ingredients into a comforting, irresistibly cheesy meal.
How to Serve Arancini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Arancini Casserole Recipe even more special, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkling of chopped parsley. These herbs add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh aroma that balances the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A crusty loaf of bread alongside invites everyone to scoop up every last cheesy, saucy morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the Arancini Casserole Recipe directly from the baking dish at the table so its golden cheese topping commands immediate attention. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Arancini Casserole Recipe keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying comforting lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this delicious dish whenever the craving strikes without having to prepare it from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to revive the crunchy cheese topping. For a quicker option, the microwave works well, but the casserole won’t retain its crispy cheese like it does when baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used as a substitute for Italian sausage. Just season them well with Italian herbs and garlic for that classic flavor profile that makes this Arancini Casserole Recipe so delicious.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini instead. Incorporate extra Italian seasoning and garlic to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Using medium or short-grain rice works best because it tends to be stickier and holds together nicely, mimicking the texture of traditional arancini rice perfectly in this casserole format.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra baking time if you take it straight from the fridge to the oven.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Make sure to drain the cooked sausage well and avoid adding too much tomato sauce. Also, letting the casserole bake uncovered allows moisture to evaporate, ensuring a pleasing texture that’s creamy but not soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Arancini Casserole Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself to something deliciously comforting without hours in the kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this dish a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Arancini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Arancini Casserole is a comforting Italian-inspired baked dish combining creamy ricotta and sour cream-infused rice with savory Italian sausage and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It offers the classic flavors of arancini in a hassle-free casserole form perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 3½ cups cooked rice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup green peas
- ½ tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ricotta cheese, sour cream, green peas, garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble Rice Layer: Spread the prepared rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming the base layer of the casserole.
- Cook Sausage and Simmer Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Return the sausage to the skillet, add crushed garlic cloves, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and dried minced onion flakes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spread the simmered meat sauce evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute green peas with cooked frozen peas for convenience.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
