Arancini Casserole recipe - super easy Italian rice casserole. Layers of cheesy rice and meat sauce topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Comfort food at its best! The whole family cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. Rice, ricotta cheese, sour cream, green peas, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, onion, and garlic. A great gluten-free alternative for spaghetti night.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, ricotta, sour cream, green peas, garlic salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
Spread rice mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Brown meat; drain off fat and return to skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and onion. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread meat sauce on top of rice. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese on top of casserole.
.Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes.
Notes:
You can use any cooked rice in this casserole. long grain rice, Instant rice, arborio rice, or brown rice all work fine.
Cook the rice in chicken stock for extra flavor!
I use a package of sweet Italian sausage link. You can use any sausage that you have on hand. Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage will work great.
Can substitute ground beef or lean ground turkey for the sausage.
Feel free to add onions, bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Can substitute a jar of marinara sauce for the homemade tomato sauce.
Sometimes I add some Italian breadcrumbs to the top of the casserole.
Can use any cheese that you enjoy. Mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, provolone, and pecorino romano cheese all work great.
Can Arancini Casserole be made in advance? Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
Can Arancini Casserole be frozen? Yes! Assemble the casserole and cool completely. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole and bake as directed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.