New Food: Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole

So there was a slight change of plans and I ended up making this casserole instead.  Eric stayed home sick on evening this week, and he was able to just pop this into the oven whenever he got hungry.  Surprisingly, it was pretty easy to make.  I was a little intimidated at first, but he said it tasted good.  I can't give you my personal opinion, because unfortunately, I can't eat it...yet.

Anyway, if you want to check out the recipe yourself, you can click HERE.
 

2 cups uncooked long grain rice
4 cups of water
1 (2.5 oz) sweet Italian sausage (casing removed)
10 oz (.65 lbs) ground turkey
1/4 cup minced onion
salt & pepper
5 oz frozen peas
16 oz tomato sauce
1/3 cup egg beaters or egg whites
1/2 cup pecorino romano
Cooking spray
4 tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

Cook rice in water accordingly.  Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, saute sausage meat until brown.  Add turkey and onions and cook until brown, breaking up as it cooks.  Season with salt and pepper. 

 Add peas and 8 oz of tomato sauce, simmer on low, covered for 20 minutes.

 Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl mix rice, pecorino romano cheese, eggs and 3-4 oz of tomato sauce.  Rice should be sticky.

 Spray baking dish with cooking spray.  Add 2 tbsp of breadcrumbs to dish, coating bottom and sides.  Take half of the rice mixture and press on bottom and sides of pan.

 Add meat/peas mixture.  Sprinkle some mozzarella and top with remaining rice mixture.  Cover with remaining sauce, breadcrumbs and mozzarella.

 Cover with tin foil and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove tin foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Well, there you have it.  It sure looking good to me.  Thankfully, I didn't have to be there to watch Eric eat it.

Next week, I'll have the Mango Chicken Chili, which I did get to eat.  It was delicious :)