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Cheesy Meatball Rice Casserole: A Delightful Family Meal


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring meatballs, rice, and cheese, perfect for family meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and marinara sauce. Stir until the rice is evenly coated.
  5. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the rice mixture and stir gently to combine.
  6. Transfer the rice and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and use brown rice for added fiber.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg