Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – Don’t LOSE This Recipe
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the kind of recipe everyone needs in their kitchen rotation. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly easy, perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or days when you simply don’t want to stand over the stove. This casserole is all about comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. No boiling pasta, no pre-cooking, no complicated steps — just dump everything in one dish, bake, and enjoy.
This meal is especially loved because it uses simple pantry ingredients, feeds a crowd, and always comes out rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Casserole
- One baking dish = easy cleanup
- No cooking pasta beforehand
- Perfect for beginners
- Comforting, cheesy, and filling
- Easy to customize with vegetables or different sauces
Ingredients
- 1 bag (20–24 oz) frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (or pasta sauce of choice)
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the baking dish
Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches works perfectly). - Dump the ingredients
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the dish. Pour in the marinara sauce, water (or broth), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to make sure the pasta is fully coated in liquid. - Add the meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs evenly over the pasta mixture. Do not thaw them — they cook perfectly in the oven. - Cover and bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are hot and cooked through. - Add the cheese
Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. - Final bake
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. - Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Stir halfway through baking if your pasta is thick
- Add more liquid if your sauce is very thick
- For extra flavor, use broth instead of water
- Want it creamier? Add ½ cup cream or ricotta before baking
Variations
- Vegetable version: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
- Spicy version: Use spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes
- Cheesy overload: Mix some cheese inside before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
- Reheat in oven or microwave
- Freezes well for meal prep
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe — easy, reliable, and loved by everyone who tries it. Once you make it, it will quickly become one of those recipes you come back to again and again.