Description

Warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying — this Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole is the ultimate easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Juicy meatballs rest on a bed of tender tomato-seasoned rice, covered in gooey melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s the kind of comfort food that checks all the boxes: simple prep, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and packed with flavor. Perfect for anyone searching for quick dinner ideas, hearty comfort food, or a no-fuss casserole that feeds a crowd. Whether you’re planning meals for the week or looking for cozy food ideas, this is one easy recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce

1 1/2 cups fully cooked meatballs (about 20–25 small meatballs)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is slightly undercooked. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and red bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 more minute.

3. In a large bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, and marinara sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the rice mixture evenly in the dish. Nestle meatballs on top, pressing them slightly into the rice.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil.

6. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for 10–12 more minutes, until cheese is melted and golden. Broil for 2 minutes if you prefer a crisp top. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Slightly undercook the rice to prevent mushiness after baking.

Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a more luxurious texture.

Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of dish
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: easy dinner, meatball casserole, cheesy rice bake, comfort food, freezer meal