Description
Comforting dump and bake meatball casserole brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese create a one-pan wonder you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
Starches:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquid and Soup Base:
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Select a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a one-step layering process by combining frozen meatballs, raw rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and frozen peas in a single mix.
- Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper, distributing the spices evenly throughout the casserole.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that allows ingredients to steam and cook thoroughly for 1 hour.
- After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the foil and generously distribute shredded mozzarella across the surface of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Once the cheese has melted completely and developed a appetizing golden color, extract the casserole from the oven.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
- Plate the hot casserole immediately, ensuring each serving includes a blend of meatballs, rice, vegetables, and melted cheese.
Notes
- Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based meatballs for a personalized touch and dietary flexibility.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
- Save time by preparing this casserole ahead and refrigerating before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
- Customize the dish by adding extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg