Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If there’s one dish that always brings back glorious memories of family gatherings, late Sunday dinners, and those much-needed cozy nights in, it’s my beloved Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole. This recipe has it all—comfort, flavor, and the type of simplicity that makes you say, “What’s for dinner?” with a big ol’ grin.
I remember the first time I made this casserole; it was a chilly autumn evening. I had just returned from a long day of work, and the thought of cooking something elaborate felt like climbing Everest. Enter this glorious dish! It’s called “Dump & Bake” for a reason—you literally just dump everything into a dish and bake. It’s practically a miracle! Trust me when I say, your kitchen will smell divine while it’s baking, and the cheese—oh, the cheese—gets all bubbly on top, making it impossible to resist. So, let’s get right into it!
What’s in Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole?
White Rice: I use Minute Rice for this recipe because it’s easy and quick to prepare. No need to fuss around with different cooking times; just add it to the mix, and you’re golden!
Water: This will depend on the rice you choose, but for Minute Rice, two cups will do nicely! It helps the rice cook to perfection.
Marinara Sauce: Ah, the sauce that brings it all together! I love Rao’s Homemade for its rich flavor, but feel free to use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
Frozen Meatballs: I’ll be honest, I’m all about convenience. Frozen beef or turkey meatballs work wonders here. It’s a time-saver and they cook beautifully in the oven.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Cheesy goodness alert! Mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle of this adds a savory depth that will make you wonder why you ever skipped it.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh works great! They add a lovely freshness to the casserole.
Italian Seasoning: This is optional, but if you love depth in flavor (and who doesn’t?), toss some in.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that are essential to bring all those flavors to life.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green on top isn’t just for show—it brightens up the dish and adds a nice touch of flavor.
Is Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a bit about the health benefits of what’s cooking in your oven.
White Rice: While white rice is often seen as less nutritious compared to brown rice, it still provides a good source of energy and can be easily digestible for some people.
Marinara Sauce: Packed with tomatoes, marinara sauce includes vitamins C and K and antioxidants, which are quite the superheroes for your health.
Frozen Meatballs: They can be a quick source of protein, but I always look for options that are lower in sodium and use quality meat!
Cheese: Sure, it adds calories, but mozzarella and Parmesan do provide calcium and protein. Moderation is key here!
As with any dish, think about balance; serve it alongside veggies or salad for some extra nutrients.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup white rice (Minute Rice or similar)
– 2 cups water (or as recommended for the rice)
– 1 jar (24 oz) Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce (or your choice of marinara)
– 1 lb frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people depending on your appetite!
How to Make Dump & Bake Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when we get everything in there.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice and the water. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until it’s beautifully mixed.
3. Pour this delicious mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. It’s going to be a treasure!
4. Lay those frozen meatballs evenly on top of the rice mixture—don’t worry, they’ll get nice and warm in the oven.
5. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
6. After the 30 minutes are up, remove the foil, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Just try not to eat it off the top—it’ll be so tempting!
7. Pop it back in the oven (uncovered) to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This is the moment when the smell will drive you wild!
8. Once done, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions and Tips to Elevate Your Casserole
This casserole is like a blank canvas—customize it how you wish. I absolutely love adding in some sautéed spinach or diced bell peppers for color and nutrition. You could even toss in some olives or artichoke hearts if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
And don’t worry about leftovers; they’re just as delicious the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat until it’s warmed through.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and whip up this comforting, cheesy, and oh-so-good casserole! I’ll be right there with you, chewing on some leftovers (that might just taste even better)! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and feel free to share your experience with me; I’d love to hear how it turned out!
