This is a hearty oven-baked comfort dish with juicy meatballs, savory mushrooms, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheesy sauce all baked together until golden and bubbling.
🍽️ Servings
- 4–6 servings
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
Rice Base
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Mushrooms & Veggies
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or peas
Cheesy Sauce
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer version)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for melting on top)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl mix:
- ground meat
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- garlic
- spices
- parsley
- Parmesan
Mix gently (don’t overwork).
Form small meatballs (about walnut size).
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet with a little oil.
Sear meatballs:
- 5–7 minutes
- until lightly browned (not fully cooked)
Set aside.
3. Cook Mushrooms
In same pan add butter/oil.
Cook mushrooms:
- 5–6 minutes
- until browned and moisture evaporates
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare Rice Base
In a pot or skillet:
- sauté onion in butter
- add rice and garlic
- stir 1–2 minutes
Add broth.
Simmer until rice is about 70% cooked (slightly underdone).
5. Make Cheesy Sauce
In a saucepan whisk:
- milk
- cream cheese
- flour/cornstarch
- garlic powder
- oregano
Cook until slightly thickened.
Add:
- mozzarella
- cheddar
Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven:
- 180°C (350°F)
In a baking dish layer:
- half the rice
- mushrooms
- meatballs
- remaining rice
- pour cheesy sauce evenly over everything
Top with:
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
7. Bake
Bake uncovered:
- 25–30 minutes
Until:
- cheese is melted and golden
- sauce is bubbling
- meatballs fully cooked (internal 165°F / 74°C)
8. Finish & Serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with parsley.
Serve hot.
Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles or coleslaw (for contrast)
Variations
Spicy Version
Add:
- chili flakes
- hot sauce in sauce
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Upgrade
Add:
- extra garlic
- more cream cheese
Veggie Boost
Add:
- spinach
- peas
- bell peppers
Italian Style
Add:
- basil
- oregano
- marinara layer under rice
Storage
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheat in oven or microwave with a splash of broth.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450–650
- Protein: 25–35 g
- Carbs: 35–55 g
- Fat: 20–30 g
