Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole
Indulge in the hearty and comforting flavors of Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole, a dish that unites family and friends around the dinner table. This delightful casserole features savory meatballs nestled over fluffy rice, all coated in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, allowing you to create a warm, inviting meal in just 40 minutes. With its customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to cater to everyone’s tastes—whether you prefer beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs. Dive into this bubbling treasure straight from the oven and savor every delicious bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 20 pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté the diced onion and bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, marinara sauce, sautéed veggies, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the rice mixture evenly in the greased baking dish and arrange meatballs on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg