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–+ servings

Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole

A comforting one-pot casserole made with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef The heart of the dish.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice Long-grain or white rice works beautifully.
  • 1 jar marinara sauce Pick your favorite brand or homemade version.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) The more, the merrier!
  • 1 onion, chopped Adds a rich depth of flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For that aromatic punch.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A fragrant blend that ties everything together.
  • 2 cups water or beef broth For cooking the rice and adding richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
  3. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then pour in the water or beef broth.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top.
Cooking
  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread.

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