Description
This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights. With juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, rich marinara sauce, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s a one-dish wonder that requires almost no prep. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a family-friendly weeknight meal, or hearty casserole food ideas, this dish has you covered. Great for make-ahead, leftovers, and freezer meals—definitely one of those easy recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
20 fully cooked frozen meatballs
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In the dish, stir together rice, marinara sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Arrange the frozen meatballs evenly on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Be sure to use fully cooked frozen meatballs for safe and even baking.
You can prep this casserole a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the rice finish absorbing the liquid and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 6)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg