Sicilian Rice Ball in a Casserole Recipe

Cook rice with 1 teaspoon kosher salt according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, sauté sausage meat; cook until brown breaking up into pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Add turkey and onions and cook until browned, breaking up as it cooks.

Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste.

Add peas and 1 cup sauce; simmer on low, covered, for about 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine cooked rice, pecorino romano, eggs, and ½ cup tomato sauce and mix well. Rice should be a bit sticky.

Spray a 9 by 13 casserole dish with cooking spray, making sure to spray sides too. 

Add 2 tablespoon breadcrumbs to the dish and roll around to coat the bottom and sides.

Take half of the rice mixture (a little more if needed) and cover the bottom of the dish and up the sides.

Press to form the bottom layer. Fill with the meat and peas.

Top with 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese.

Cover with remaining rice and press until even. 

Top with remaining sauce, remaining 2 tablespoon breadcrumbs, and remaining ½ cup mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, until hot. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired, cut into 8 pieces and serve.