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Baked Meatball and Rice Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with juicy baked meatballs, tender rice, savory sauce, and melted cheese — perfect for an easy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (they do not need to be fully cooked through).
  5. Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Arrange browned meatballs on top of the rice.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth and tomato sauce; pour evenly over the meatballs and rice.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
  9. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • For extra flavor, add sautéed onions and bell peppers to the rice layer.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, baked meatball rice, beef casserole, one pan dinner, comfort food