Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is an effortless, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta baked together in flavorful sauce, it saves time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a casserole dish, combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to mix.
3. Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
5. Step 5: Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite pasta shape, but choose one that holds sauce well like rigatoni or penne for best results.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for extra veggies and flavor.
• For a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or use a spicy pasta sauce.
• Cover the casserole tightly with foil during baking to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the pasta has thickened, add a splash of water or sauce before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Just ensure they are fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients and baking.

Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?

No, the pasta cooks in the sauce during baking. Using sufficient liquid in the dish ensures it softens properly.

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 111 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal that combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and marinara sauce baked together to perfection. With minimal prep and a delicious cheesy topping, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta so that everything is evenly distributed.
3. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat up.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the foil, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute the frozen meatballs with homemade or cooked meatballs if preferred.
• Using penne or rigatoni is recommended as their shapes hold the sauce well, but other pasta types can be used.
• Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during initial baking to properly cook the pasta.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, Italian comfort food