Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole Recipe
A simple, comforting one-dish meal featuring instant rice, frozen meatballs, and a flavorful combination of pasta sauce and Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes, topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This dump-and-bake casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups Minute instant white rice
- 1 (24oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1 (14.5oz) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 cup water
- 30 frozen meatballs
- 1+ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked instant white rice, the entire jar of pasta sauce, the undrained can of Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, and one cup of water. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences and mix well. Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the baking dish.
- Assemble Casserole. Pour the rice and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the frozen meatballs evenly on top of the rice mixture to ensure they cook thoroughly during baking.
- Cover and Bake. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which will cook the rice and meatballs evenly. Place the casserole on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly to your liking.
Notes
- You can add extra Italian seasoning or garlic powder if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- If you like a crispier top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Frozen meatballs can be substituted with homemade or fresh cooked meatballs if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
