Meatball And Rice Casserole
A comforting meatball and rice casserole featuring savory meatballs, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 18 meatballs, each about 1 1/2-inch in diameter.
- Brown the meatballs in cooking oil in a skillet.
- Drain excess oil from the meatballs.
- Place the browned meatballs in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cooked rice, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and water.
- Pour the rice mixture over the meatballs in the baking dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked meatballs or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For extra texture, add grated carrots or chopped mushrooms to the rice mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like steamed broccoli or a simple salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It goes well with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread for soaking up the sauce. Pair it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, enjoy it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball And Rice Casserole contains roughly 569 calories, with 14g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2109mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice in the casserole?
Using uncooked rice is not recommended as it won't cook properly within the baking time. Always use pre-cooked rice to ensure the casserole has the right texture and moisture. If you want to alter the recipe, consider parboiling the rice before adding it to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use cooked lentils. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a plant-based substitute. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors of the meat alternative or lentils.
Can I freeze the meatball and rice casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If frozen after baking, reheat directly from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).