A Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a super easy and comforting dish that you can quickly prepare with minimal effort. All you need to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, stir, and bake! Here’s a simple recipe that combines hearty meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and cheese.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (about 20-25 meatballs)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked rotini pasta (or penne, ziti, or other short pasta)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Casserole:
- In a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well), dump the frozen meatballs in an even layer.
- Add the uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or whatever short pasta you prefer) directly into the dish with the meatballs. There’s no need to cook the pasta beforehand—it will cook while baking in the sauce.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then give everything a quick stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Then, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown, and the pasta is tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Tips:
- Meatball Variations: You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer, or swap out traditional beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
- Pasta Options: While rotini works great, you can use any type of pasta like penne, fusilli, or ziti.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Extra Cheese: For a cheesier version, you can sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights, offering a delicious, cheesy, comforting dinner with minimal prep time. Enjoy!