Description
This cheesy meatball rice casserole features tender instant rice, savory meatballs, and pasta sauce all baked together with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese in one glorious dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dump-and-bake casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort food satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Minute instant white rice, uncooked
- 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce, your favorite brand
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, do not drain
- 1 cup water
- 30 frozen meatballs, beef or Italian varieties
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra if desired
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and Italian seasoning, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F and allow it to reach temperature while you gather your ingredients, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients in a 9×13 baking dish: Pour the pasta sauce, undrained canned tomatoes, and water into the dish, then stir in the uncooked rice until evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Add the meatballs: Distribute all 30 frozen meatballs evenly across the top of the rice mixture, nestling them slightly into the sauce so they cook evenly.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the entire casserole, then give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors with the rice and sauce.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then place it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and check doneness: Carefully remove the foil after 25 minutes and verify that the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Layer the cheeses: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the casserole, then distribute the parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for a layered cheese effect.
- Final bake: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden edges.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving, which allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes