Italian Baked Rice

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Prep Time: 15 minutes        Cook Time: 30 minutes    Total Time: 45 minutes    Servings: 8

Ingredients

•3 cups uncooked white rice

•1 teaspoon black pepper

•1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

•1 lb whole-milk mozzarella, diced

•9 cups tomato sauce (4 cups for the mixture; remainder for layering)

•5 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Instructions

1.     Prepare the Sauce: Make our homemade tomato sauce using this recipe https://www.brooklynbrotherscooking.com/pasta/nonna-s-tomato-sauce or use your own favorite sauce.

2.     Cook the Rice: Cook rice according to the package directions.

3.     Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced mozzarella, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and 4 cups of tomato sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

4.     Assemble the Dish: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a large casserole dish. Add the rice mixture, then cover the top with more tomato sauce. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.

5.     Bake: uncovered for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with melted cheese.

6.     Finish and Serve:  Remove from oven, top with the julienned basil and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.