Arancini Casserole
A hearty and delicious casserole that layers creamy rice, savory beef sausage, and melted cheese.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup green peas
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pound beef sausage casings removed
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cans tomato sauce (8-oz each)
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together 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. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Evenly spread the rice mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the beef sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and dried minced onion flakes. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish. Top it off with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty layered rice and meat casserole!
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the meat sauce for extra flavor. For a spicier version, use spicy beef sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.