Description
This Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food baked in one pan. Juicy meatballs sit on a bed of creamy, cheesy marinara-infused rice, topped with bubbly golden mozzarella. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly too!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups marinara sauce
0.5 cup milk or cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 to 20 cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook rice if not done already. Let it cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the rice, marinara, milk or cream, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan until creamy.
4. Spread the rice mixture into the prepared dish evenly.
5. Arrange the cooked meatballs over the rice, pressing slightly into the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
For a spicier version, stir red pepper flakes into the marinara or use spicy meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg