Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

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If you need a cozy, family-approved dinner that hits all the comforting notes, this Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is your new go-to. It brings together juicy meatballs, fluffy seasoned rice, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked into one bubbly dish. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone at the table with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks every box. It reheats beautifully, makes your kitchen smell incredible, and lets you enjoy classic Italian-American comfort without the fuss of boiling pasta or babysitting a sauce. Everything cooks together in the oven—hands-off magic!

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

• One-pan ease: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both love cheesy meatballs.
• Freezer-friendly: Great for make-ahead meals.
• Simple pantry ingredients.
• Customizable with added veggies or different cheeses.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can use homemade or store-bought frozen meatballs for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure they’re fully cooked before baking. Italian-style meatballs are ideal, but turkey or beef meatballs work just as well. If you make your own, bake or pan-sear them ahead of time for the best texture.

Ingredients

• Cooked meatballs – The protein star of this dish; use Italian-style for the best flavor.
• Long grain white rice – Absorbs the sauce while staying fluffy.
• Marinara sauce – Adds richness and brings the flavors together.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts to form a golden, gooey topping.
• Parmesan cheese – Boosts umami and adds a slightly nutty note.
• Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
• Garlic powder & onion powder – Layer in extra flavor with minimal effort.
• Chopped parsley – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How To Make the Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps it brown beautifully.

Step 2: Build the Base

In the greased dish, spread 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice evenly. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over the rice. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Add the Meatballs

Place 18 fully cooked meatballs on top of the rice mixture, spacing them out evenly. No need to press them down; they will settle as the rice cooks.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Cheese Time

Remove the foil. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve This Cheesy Meatball & Rice Bake

This dish serves 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinner nights. Serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It also makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

How to Store Leftovers the Right Way

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot all the way through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. For best results, par-cook the brown rice beforehand.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything (except the cheese topping) and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add cheese before the final bake.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be swapped in.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover with foil again and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Make sure there’s enough liquid to prevent drying out.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well mixed into the rice base.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole, check out these comforting favorites:

• Runza Casserole for a meaty, doughy delight.
• Beef and Potato Casserole for classic hearty satisfaction.
• Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake if you’re craving creamy meets green.
• Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole for fun, cheesy weeknight flair.
• Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole for savory biscuit-topped comfort.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use turkey or beef meatballs? Did you sneak in extra veggies?

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