Sicilian Rice Casserole

Name: Sicilian Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 large onion (diced); 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 carrots (diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 1/2 package mushrooms, (about 100 gramsor 4 oz (sliced)); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup white wine; 450 grams combined ground veal/beef/pork ((1 lb)); 720 ml tomato passata ((24 oz)); 1 1/2 cups peas, (frozen); 2 cups long grain rice; tbsp butter; butter (for greasing the casserole); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup combined Parmigiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses (plus 1 tbsp for top)

January 23, 2019 by Nadia, Updated July 15, 2022Rice, Barley and other Grains Sicilian Recipes

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Sicilian Rice Casserole, all the flavors of arancini (rice balls) but without the fuss and frying!

I’m so happy that I can now enjoy this Sicilian Rice Casserole! That’s because for years I was allergic to peas. Just omit the peas you say? Yes, but it just wouldn’t be the same without them. My mother made this dish without the peas for so long, I now have to remind her to reintroduce them.

If you love arancini like I do, then you’ll love this dish. It’s just like eating arancini but in the form of a casserole. In fact it’s often referred to as a rice ball casserole.

You have all the ingredients and flavors but without the frying. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer my arancini any day but sometimes you want a simplified version without all the fuss.

Step by Step Instructions:

The steps involved are the same as for preparing arancini. I begin by making a meat sauce. What’s different about this sauce is the addition of mushrooms, which my mother also adds in her sauce for arancini. They are optional but the mushrooms definitely a wonderful earthy flavor to the sauce.

Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, celery and mushrooms.

Next add the ground meat trio (beef, pork, veal) and cook until no longer pink. Pour in white wine and cook until it evaporates.

Add the tomato sauce and cook until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in peas and cook for 15 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, cook 2 cups of rice. When done, transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in 1 tbsp butter. Add the meat sauce, 1/2 cup combined Parmigiano/Pecorino romano cheeses and stir.

Prepare a rectangular casserole by buttering the bottom and sides and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Pour in the rice mixture, top with more breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden. Let stand for about 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes:

Substitutions and Variations

Try substituting Italian sausage without the casing in place of ground meat.
If you love your casserole extra cheesy, stir grated or cubed mozzarella into the rice mixture.

Can this baked rice dish be prepared in advance?

This casserole can definitely be prepared ahead of time. You can either cook the rice and meat sauce the day before and assemble and bake the day you’re serving it.
Alternately, assemble the entire casserole the day before and simply bake before serving.

Can it be frozen?

You can also freeze the casserole unbaked. Thaw by placing in the freezer the night before serving and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. If the top becomes too dark or crispy, simply cover with foil until it is warmed through.

I made this casserole for dinner this week and my kids told me that it smelled like arancini in the house. GIve it a try and I’m sure you’ll agree! Please send me your photos of your Sicilian Rice casserole by tagging me with @mangiabedda or #mangiabedda on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to Pin the recipe as well! Buon appetito!