Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole is a comfort food dream come true. It combines savory meatballs, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and super simple to make.

What makes it truly irresistible is the way the ingredients come together in the oven. The rice soaks up all the flavor from the meatballs and sauce, while the cheese forms a bubbling, golden crust on top. It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews at the dinner table and practically guarantees no leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

This dish is a flavor-packed one-pan wonder that saves you from a mountain of dishes. It offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness. The casserole is family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers every time.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can use homemade meatballs or store-bought to keep things simple. If you have leftover meatballs from spaghetti night, toss them right in. Beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs all work great here—just make sure they’re fully cooked before layering them into the casserole. Frozen meatballs are a great shortcut too, as long as they’re thawed before baking.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

Before you start assembling, here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need. Each one plays a key role in making this casserole creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

• Cooked rice
• Fully cooked meatballs
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make the Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread the rice mixture evenly. Place the meatballs evenly over the top, pressing them slightly into the rice.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire surface. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole

This casserole serves about 6 people and is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it ideal for meal prep.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat until warmed through.

What to Serve With Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole?

Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up any extra sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright and crisp, broccoli adds a fresh touch and balances the richness.

Garden Salad

A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess.

Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs.

Green Beans Almondine

A simple side that brings texture and nutty flavor.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted with a bit of balsamic, they offer a touch of acidity and crunch.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet and buttery corn is a nostalgic and kid-friendly choice.

Creamy Coleslaw

A cool, creamy slaw adds a crunchy contrast.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this cheesy meatball bake, here are more casseroles worth trying:

• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe when you want Mexican comfort food.
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake for a cheesy, bold flavor twist.
• Chicken and Dressing Casserole for a Southern-style cozy dinner.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re craving creamy, veggie-packed goodness.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine for something with a little kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for turkey meatballs or classic beef? Did you sneak in any extra veggies?

I love seeing how everyone adds their twist to this cheesy classic. If you have any questions, ask away—let’s help each other make dinnertime better.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole is the definition of easy, satisfying, and family-approved. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially on nights when you want something filling and fuss-free. Simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting—what more could you ask for in a weeknight dinner?

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