What is Arancini Rice Ball Casserole?

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole is a baked dish inspired by traditional Sicilian arancini—crispy, deep-fried rice balls usually stuffed with meat, sauce, and cheese. Instead of forming and frying individual balls, this version layers Arborio rice, seasoned meat, peas, mozzarella, and tomato sauce in a casserole pan. It’s a comforting, time-saving twist that delivers all the flavor of arancini in a family-style meal.

Can I make Arancini Rice Ball Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Arancini Rice Ball Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead recipe. You can fully assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes of cook time if it's coming straight from the fridge. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, parties, and meal prepping.

What type of rice is best for Arancini Rice Ball Casserole?

The best and only rice you should use for Arancini Rice Ball Casserole is Arborio rice . This short-grain Italian rice has a high starch content that creates a creamy texture and helps the casserole hold together in firm, sliceable layers. Regular long-grain rice won’t produce the same creamy, cohesive structure.

How do you store leftover Arancini Rice Ball Casserole?

Store leftover Arancini Rice Ball Casserole by letting it cool completely, cutting it into portions, and placing the pieces in airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days . Make sure it’s fully covered to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

What side dishes go well with Arancini Rice Ball Casserole?

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole pairs perfectly with fresh, light side dishes to balance its rich and cheesy profile. Popular sides include: Mixed green or Caesar salad Garlic bread or focaccia Roasted seasonal vegetables Marinated olives or artichoke hearts You can also serve it with a side of warm tomato sauce or red pepper flakes for dipping.

Is Arancini Rice Ball Casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, Arancini Rice Ball Casserole freezes extremely well. You can freeze it fully cooked (cut into individual servings) or freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for a make-ahead dinner. To freeze: Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap Label and date Store for up to 3 months To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through. It tastes just as amazing as freshly baked!

Arancini Rice Ball Casserole for a Quick Italian Dinner

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional resting or freezing time)
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian / Sicilian inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A comforting one‑dish twist on classic Sicilian arancini, this casserole layers cooked rice with savory meat, peas, tomato sauce and cheese—baked until golden and melty.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook rice with 1 tsp salt according to package directions; set aside to cool.
In a skillet, cook sausage (or chicken/turkey) until browned; add onion and cook until soft.
Stir in peas and about 1 cup tomato sauce; simmer to meld flavors (~5–20 min depending on recipe).
In a bowl, combine cooled rice, beaten egg(s), Pecorino, and about ½ cup sauce.
Lightly oil or spray a 9×13″ baking dish and sprinkle bottom and sides with breadcrumbs.
Press half the rice mixture into the bottom and sides of the dish.
Spread the meat–pea–tomato mixture evenly over rice.
Sprinkle about ¾ to 1¼ cup mozzarella over this layer.
Top with remaining rice mixture, pressing evenly.
Sprinkle remaining breadcrumbs and mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake ~30 min; uncover and bake another ~10 min until cheese is melted and top golden.
Let sit ~10 min before slicing and serving, optionally with extra marinara.

Notes

Freezer‑friendly: assemble and freeze before baking; thaw in fridge 24 hrs before baking. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Use Arborio or long‑grain rice for best texture; avoid instant rice. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Variations include swapping vegetables, using ground chicken/beef, or adding Fontina or Pecorino cheese. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Letting the casserole rest ~10 min before slicing helps maintain structure. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th)
Calories: ≈373 kcal
Sugar: ≈1 g
Sodium: ≈629 mg
Fat: ≈10 g
Saturated Fat: ≈4 g
Unsaturated Fat: ≥4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: ≈47 g
Fiber: ≈2 g
Protein: ≈21 g
Cholesterol: ≈61 mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/arancini-rice-ball-casserole/