Description
This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is the ultimate all-in-one comfort meal. It features juicy meatballs nestled in seasoned rice, smothered in marinara, and topped with gooey cheese — baked to perfection in one dish. Great for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
16–20 fully cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour uncooked rice evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Add chicken broth over the rice to cover evenly.
4. Spoon marinara sauce on top of the rice and spread it out gently.
5. Arrange fully cooked meatballs on top of the sauce layer.
6. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
9. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
10. Let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Make sure meatballs are fully cooked if using frozen — bake or pan-heat them before adding.
Want extra creaminess? Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or ricotta before baking.
To add veggies, toss in frozen peas, chopped spinach, or bell peppers under the sauce layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, rice bake, cheesy dinner