There’s really no other way to put it. You need to stop what you’re doing and make this casserole. Like, now. Right now!
This is the second recipe I’ve made of Gina’s this week (the first being Saucy Balls aka Asian Turkey Meatballs with Lime Sesame Dipping Sauce,) and not only did this yummy casserole satisfy both husband AND wife, but it also took Ben and I back to the unforgettable Italian vacation we took this Fall.
What is it already?!
Arancini Casserole!
Those luscious balls of fluffy risotto stuffed with meat and cheese then fried to a golden crisp that Ben and I fell madly in love overseas? Here! In casserole form! And it’s not even that bad for you! :D
Reader Elizabeth sent me the link to this recipe on Facebook and I followed the recipe pretty much exactly. I started by cooking up a typical Arancini filling: spicy Italian sausage mixed with ground turkey, onions, peas and marinara sauce.
While that mixture simmered and reduced, I got to work on the rice.
Normally Arancini would be made by stuffing leftover risotto with meat & cheese, rolling it into a ball, then breading and frying it. Since I’m not an Italian Grandmother with leftover risotto just laying around, I made my own with rice, egg whites, parmesan cheese and marinara sauce.
Casserole building time! I started by dusting a casserole dish with bread crumbs, then pressed in half the rice mixture.
Next, top the rice with the cooked filling mixture and mozzarella cheese,
then the other half of the rice and more marinara sauce.
Finish with MORE cheese and MORE breadcrumbs, then bake.
Yesssss!
Layers and layers of flavah!
How much do you love it when casseroles come out in perfect squares?!
In true casserole fashion, the layers of creamy, cheesy rice and spicy, savory filling stood straight up. :)
The best part? The crunchy breadcrumb crust!
I used whole wheat, seasoned breadcrumbs and they gave the casserole that extra “umph” of flavor.
Ben and I inhaled this. We were so happy because it was so good, but sad because it made us seriously miss our Italian shenanigans!
Stephanie 03.17.2011
This recipe looks so good!!! Arancini balls are so amazing and I can only imagine how good this would be for dinner — ummm bookmarked :)
Also, I’ve never been to Gina’s website before but looks like there are some fabulous recipes – thanks for the link!
Masha @ themashaultimatum.com 03.16.2011
I AM LOVING ALL THE PEOPLE RUNNING OUTSIDE!!!! Although, I still love my treadmill. Seeing all these people run outside makes me feel like people are caring more about their health….I say BRING ON the good weather so more and more people will fill the streets….lol
Also…I love arancini so that casserole looked drool worthy ;p
dmcgirl 03.16.2011
We love that site!!!!!
Awesome post and pics!
Just go for the road trip, ROAD TRIP!!!!
Sarah @ The Pajama Chef 03.16.2011
this summer we are going to vail, CO! i can’t wait…last time i was in CO i was 6 wks old, now i’m almost 26!
Alexa @ SimpleEats 03.16.2011
This looks freaking amazing. Arancini is delish, I REALLY want to try this!
jad18 03.16.2011
No spring break plans, this is my busy time at work. We are going to sedona and the grand canyon at the end of april and I am psyched.
Kim 03.16.2011
this casserole looks delicious! can’t wait to try!
i skipped the gym tonight and went for a run and YEA… it was windy! :) it was gorgeous out though! loved it!
Tara @The Game of Life 03.16.2011
Those babies look great! :) This weather is amazing isn’t it… I am in Texas so tomorrow I am going to lay out!!
Karina 03.16.2011
Going to Ireland on Saturday with my husband-so excited!!
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique 03.16.2011
Yum! That casserole looks awesome!
Melissa 03.16.2011
I am going to Seattle to visit my cousin! I can’t wait! My spring break plans usually involve visiting my grandparents in Florida, which is nice, but I’m really looking forward to exploring a new city! :D
girliefriend 03.16.2011
Between you and Gina…I’m in trouble..
JennyV 03.16.2011
Looks delicious! My husband rarely do italian dishes but this is one I might have to try!
As for Spring Break — no plans for my husband and me. I did see your “Oregon Trail” tweet — I say you should go for it! Road trips are fun!
Stefanie 03.16.2011
That looks so yummy!! I’ve tried to make homemade Arranchini (sp) in the past and it was a nitemare but this looks like something I need to try ASAP. Sadly no spring break plans this year but next year is St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, GA. It’s insane!
Lauren 03.16.2011
Wow, this looks amazing!! It sounds like a great dinner party recipe.
Runeatrepeat 03.16.2011
I am pretty much in love with the title of this post :) Oh, the recipe looks amazing too!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) 03.16.2011
I can’t wait to run tomorrow!! Hallelujah for spring. I’m getting dates and pecans (allergic to peanuts) out to make those right now!
chocolate-covered katie 03.16.2011
Wow, your photos are insanely beautiful! That last one, especially. I love how your background’s blurred but the front is super-clear. Do you use manual settings? It looks so professional! :)
I always use the bagged dates too, because my poor magic bullet isn’t strong enough for the other guys.
In any case, thank you so much for the sweet mention. Really made my day!
Iowa Girl Eats 03.20.2011
I use the “A” or aperture setting. The lower the aperture, the “fuzzier” the background will be. Thanks again for such an amazing (addicting!) recipe!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles 03.16.2011
Ooh, my parents are visiting me next week and bringing a food processor – I have GOT to try those pb babies!
Lisa (Dishes of Mrs. Fish) 03.16.2011
That casserole looks delightful! I love the Skinnytaste blog!