We’re coming up on the ten year anniversary of my husband’s and my bucket list vacation to Italy so I used the occasion to whip up a super easy dish that reminds me of a not so easy to make dish we enjoyed many times while there. Italian Rice Ball Casserole is the deconstructed version of Arancini — crispy rice balls made with leftover cooked rice — that’s made using everyday kitchen staples, in 20 minutes, using just 1 skillet. There is ZERO chopping required, save for some parsley if you’d like to sprinkle it on top at the end. Like biting into a hot and sizzling Italian Rice Ball, this meal is comforting to the max!
Italian Rice Ball Skillet
Italian Rice Ball Skillet is cooked white rice mixed with a combination of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and frozen peas, smothered in shredded mozzarella cheese then broiled until hot and melty. If you can’t get to the Italian coast anytime soon, this simple skillet dinner might just squash a craving for one of their yummy, hearty delicacies!
How to Make this Dish
Start by cooking the rice. To a small pot with a tight fitting lid add long grain white rice, water, a drizzle extra virgin olive oil and big pinch salt. Bring to a simmer then place a lid on top, turn the heat to low, then simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Scoop out 1-1/2 cups cooked rice then set the rest aside for another use.
Top Rice cooking Tips
While the rice is simmering, add ground beef and ground sweet Italian sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with homemade seasoned salt and pepper then brown and drain if necessary.
Return the meat to the skillet then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning blend, frozen peas, and the cooked rice then stir everything to combine.
Spread the mixture into an even layer in the bottom of the skillet then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Broil until the cheese is melted then scoop, serve, and devour! I hope you love this EASY, tasty twist on an Italian classic — enjoy!
More One Pan Recipes
Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Rice Skillet Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper Skillet Tater Tot Casserole Beef & Veggie Enchilada Skillet Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
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