Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Simply dump ingredients into a dish—no fuss or lengthy prep required.

• Family-approved: Kids love the cheesy, meaty flavors and parents appreciate the simplicity.

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite seasonings, cheeses, or veggies to adapt to your tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ cups Minute instant white rice

• 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 1 cup water

• 30 frozen meatballs

• 1+ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Garlic powder & Italian seasoning, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

2. In a bowl or directly in the dish, mix together rice, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), water, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.

4. Arrange the frozen meatballs on top—no need to thaw.

5. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.

6. Bake on the center rack for 45 minutes.

7. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.

8. Bake uncovered another 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: ~55 minutes

Variations

• Use instant brown rice—increase baking time by 10–15 minutes and check for tenderness.

• Swap meatballs for plant-based versions (e.g., Impossible, Beyond) or use cubed cooked chicken.

• Change up the cheese: try cheddar, pepper jack, or a three‑cheese blend for extra flavor.

• Mix in a cup of frozen veggies (peas, corn, spinach) for added color and nutrition.

• Stir in red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy twist.

storage/reheating

• To store: Let cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• To freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen—add 15–20 minutes to covered time and check rice’s tenderness.

• To reheat:

  • Microwave: Portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1–2 minute intervals until warmed through.

  • Oven: Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 20 minutes, covered, until hot; uncover last few minutes to freshen cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs?

Yes! If using cooked fresh meatballs, place them on top like frozen, but reduce covered baking time by about 10 minutes since they’re already cooked.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking—add a few extra minutes to cooking if chilled.

3. Is it gluten‑free?

Check labels: some pasta sauces or meatballs may contain gluten. Use certified gluten‑free ingredients to be safe.

4. Can I use a different type of rice?

Instant rice works best for timing. For regular white or brown rice, pre‑cook according to package directions and reduce water in the mix.

5. Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Stir in red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or a spicy jarred sauce before baking.

6. What sides go well with it?

Tastes great with a Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or garlic bread.

7. Can I reduce dairy?

Use less cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

8. How do I know rice is cooked?

Rice should absorb liquid and be tender when baked. If it’s still a bit firm after the covered bake, return to oven for another 5–10 minutes before adding cheese.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—a 9×13″ dish typically holds this amount. For larger gatherings, double ingredients and use a larger or second casserole dish; bake times remain similar.

10. Is this freezer‑friendly?

Yes! Assemble uncooked casserole, freeze, then bake from frozen as noted above. Baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated later.

Conclusion

This Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole is the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave a comforting, no-fuss meal. Ready in under an hour from a handful of pantry staples, it’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Enjoy its cheesy, saucy goodness—and tweak it to make it your own!