Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the answer! It’s a one-pan dish that combines tender meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all baked together for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. The best part? No need to cook the meatballs or boil the pasta ahead of time. Just dump everything in the baking dish, and let the oven do the work!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken—your choice)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, spread out the frozen meatballs evenly across the bottom.
- Add the uncooked pasta over the meatballs.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and meatballs, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the dish, stirring gently to combine. This helps cook the pasta and keeps everything nice and moist while baking.
- Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning over the top (if using) to add extra flavor.
Step 3: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil.
- Continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- After the casserole is done baking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Veggies: You can sneak in some veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms by layering them between the pasta and sauce or mixing them in with the meatballs.
- Use Different Sauces: If you prefer a creamy twist, you can swap the marinara sauce for alfredo sauce or a combination of marinara and cream.Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
- Meatball Variations: If you don’t have frozen meatballs, you can make homemade meatballs or even use vegetarian meatballs for a meatless version.
- Cheese Options: Try adding a mix of cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super Easy: No need to cook the meatballs or pasta separately! Everything bakes together in one dish.
- Minimal Prep: Just “dump” the ingredients and bake—no fussing with complicated steps or ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting casserole that’s loaded with meatballs, pasta, and melty cheese.
- Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences, whether you want to use gluten-free pasta, veggie meatballs, or a different type of cheese.
Conclusion:
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something easy, cheesy, and comforting. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Just pop it in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious dinner that the whole family will love!Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta