Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole
If you’re searching for a quick and comforting meal that the entire family will adore, look no further than this Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole. It’s the ultimate lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This delightful dish comes together effortlessly using just a few simple ingredients, including frozen meatballs that cook right in the casserole, making it both convenient and delicious. Topped with gooey melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (chicken or turkey)
- 1+ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Garlic powder & Italian seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl or greased baking dish, mix uncooked rice, pasta sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, water, and seasonings.
- Arrange frozen meatballs on top of the mixture and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove foil, add cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg