Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

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There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven, filling the house with savory smells and the promise of a no-fuss dinner. This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is one of those weeknight heroes that saves time without sacrificing flavor. I love how everything bakes in one dish—rice, meatballs, tomato sauce, and lots of gooey cheese—all coming together into a meal that feels both homey and hearty.

What makes this recipe special for me is that it takes just a few pantry staples and frozen meatballs, yet still delivers that slow-cooked taste. It’s perfect when I need something family-friendly, budget-friendly, and honestly, energy-friendly! Whether it’s a busy Monday or a lazy Sunday, this casserole fits right in and never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

This dish is the perfect blend of ease and satisfaction. You don’t need to prep meatballs from scratch—just grab a bag of frozen ones. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for picky eaters, thanks to its familiar flavors and melty cheese topping. It’s great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and works as leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with everything baked in one dish.

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What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

I usually go with frozen Italian-style meatballs for this recipe because they’re seasoned just right. But honestly, any frozen meatballs—beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based—will work. If you have homemade ones on hand, even better. Just make sure they’re cooked or mostly cooked before adding them to the casserole so everything heats through evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

There’s lots of room to play with this recipe. Instead of white rice, you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version—just adjust the liquid accordingly. Want to add veggies? Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini before baking. No mozzarella? Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend. And if you’re out of marinara, any tomato-based pasta sauce will do just fine.

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Ingredients for This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

Frozen Meatballs – These are the heart of the casserole, bringing rich, savory flavor with minimal prep. Use fully cooked meatballs for best results.

Uncooked Long Grain White Rice – The rice absorbs all the saucy goodness during baking, turning fluffy and flavorful without pre-cooking.

Marinara or Tomato Pasta Sauce – Adds a deep, tomatoey base that ties the meatballs and rice together beautifully.

Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and infuses the rice with more flavor than water alone would.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer on top that seals everything together in cheesy perfection.

Parmesan Cheese – Gives an extra kick of umami and saltiness on top.

Italian Seasoning – Boosts the flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.

Chopped Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color and freshness to the final dish.

Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In the prepared baking dish, stir together the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

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Step 3: Arrange the Meatballs

Evenly place the frozen meatballs on top of the rice mixture. They will sink slightly into the liquid as it bakes, helping infuse the whole dish with their flavor.

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Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through while the meatballs heat up.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Again

Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to settle. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’d like.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

Prep Time: You’ll only need about 10 minutes to get everything ready. Since the recipe uses frozen meatballs and uncooked rice, there’s no need to brown, boil, or pre-cook anything. Just mix, assemble, and go.

Cooking Time: The casserole bakes in two stages: first covered for 45–50 minutes to let the rice cook and absorb the liquids, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese. So overall, plan for about an hour of oven time.

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Tips for Perfect Casserole Results

• Use long-grain white rice for best texture; other types may need adjustments.
• Stir the liquid and rice well in the dish before adding meatballs to ensure even cooking.
• If your cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
• Let it rest after baking to avoid a soupy texture.
• Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using raw meatballs: They won’t cook through properly unless pre-cooked.
• Not covering with foil: The rice will not steam and could stay hard.
• Skipping the rest time: This is when the rice finishes absorbing moisture.
• Using instant rice: It may overcook or turn mushy.
• Adding too much cheese too early: It might burn instead of melt properly.

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What to Serve With Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up any extra sauce and adding crunch.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing pair well with the richness of the casserole.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy green side that complements the tomato and cheese.

4. Sautéed Green Beans

Quick, fresh, and adds nice color contrast to the dish.

5. Cucumber & Tomato Salad

A light and refreshing option to balance the hearty casserole.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Can I use a different type of rice?

You can try brown rice, but it will need a longer cook time and a bit more liquid.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the meatballs for plant-based ones and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a reliable, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. With minimal prep, easy substitutions, and freezer-friendly options, it’s one of those go-to recipes I always keep in my back pocket. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this cheesy casserole delivers every time.

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