Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole!

Yesterday was our anniversary~13 years....WOW! The time sure flies when you are having FUN!! So, I didn't have to cook last night, we went to Iron Hill Brewery, with the kids, I know real romantic right....but actually, the kids LOVE going out to eat and do a fabulous job (I do not have picky eaters) ordering, minding their manners, etc.....plus, kids are what we are about right now, that is the phase in marriage that we are at and we wouldn't have it any other way!!

I am trying to do better at planning our menus and spending less time at the grocery store (that is a real stretch for me, because I love reviewing recipes and could spend hours at a grocery store trying to find just the right ingredients). I stumbled across this recipes at www.skinnytaste.com and knew I had to try it.

This recipe could be made meatless, although, the ground turkey really adds nice flavor and texture!! I don't have a photo of the ingredients needed but I have "how-to" photos.....

First you want to brown your turkey and onion; add peas and tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes on low:

Coat a 9x12 (I only had a 9x13) with cooking spray and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. of seasoned bread crumbs:

Take 1/2 the rice mixture (a little more if needed) and pat into bottom of pan:

Top with turkey mixture and sprinkle w/ 3/4 C. Cheese:

Top with remaining rice, sauce, cheese and 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs:

Enjoy!

Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole (adapted from Gina's Skinny Recipes)

2 Cups, uncooked long grain rice

4 Cups Water

1 lb. Ground Turkey
1/4 C. Onion, Chopped

5 oz. peas

24 oz. Spaghetti Sauce (homemade or store bought)

3 Egg Whites

1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese

4 Tbsp. Seasoned Bread Crumbs

1 1/4 C. Shredded, Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

DIRECTIONS: Cook rice, in water, according to package directions. Set aside to cool. Saute turkey and onion until browned. Season with Salt and Pepper if desired. (I added a tsp. Italian Seasoning). Add peas and 8 oz. of sauce. Simmer on low, 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl combine rice, parmesan, egg whites and 4 oz. of sauce. Mix well, rice should be a bit sticky. Spray a 9x12 baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs, roll around to make sure pan is coated. Take 1/2 the rice mix and cover bottom and sides of dish. PRess to form bottom layer. Add meat and peas. Sprinkle 3/4 C. mozzarella on top. Add remaining rice mix and press until even. Top with remaining 1/2 c. sauce, cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer. Cut into 8 pieces and serve with a salad!

For any of my weight watching friends this recipe is 8 pts. for 1 piece.

Happy Eating!!