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
Scale
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.
