Sunday, April 3, 2016

Italian Rice Ball Casserole- REVISED (healthier)

Original recipe and photo from Skinnytaste

I revised this recipe to add more veggies, less cheese, and make it less calories...and easier to prepare by not doing layers- just mix it all up!  So good and about 300 calories per 1 big serving (1/8 of the casserole dish).

  • 2 cups white or brown rice, cooked (Trader Joes frozen brown rice in a bag)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 onion, minced  
  • 1/2 a 12 oz. bag of spinach, chopped
  • black pepper
  • 2/3 cup frozen peas
  • 1 jar Trader Joes tomato basil marinara
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup pecorino romano (or parmesan)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Cook the turkey and onions until browned. Season with salt and black pepper, and add the chopped spinach- mix until wilted.  Add the peas and 1 cup sauce; simmer on low for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl combine cooked rice, pecorino romano, egg, and 1 cup sauce and mix well. Add the rice mixture to the pan with the turkey mixture and mix well.
Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray, and pour the mixture into the dish.  Top with remaining jar of sauce and the mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, let cool slightly then cut into squares.