When you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, a dump-and-bake casserole is the perfect solution. Enter the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole—a dish that combines savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and comforting pasta, all baked together into one delicious, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a stress-free dinner, this casserole is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to throw it together in no time and let the oven work its magic!

Ingredients

This casserole packs in a lot of flavor with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty dish for about 4-6 servings.

For the Casserole:

1 pound frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference)
1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce for a fresher flavor)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

For Optional Add-Ins (to elevate the flavor):

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (for an earthy depth)
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (for added sweetness and color)
1/2 cup onions, diced (for a savory base flavor)
1/2 cup spinach or kale (for a nutrient boost)

The beauty of this dish lies in the fact that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a flexible and customizable meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melted and bubbly.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by adding the uncooked pasta. There’s no need to pre-cook it, as it will cook in the sauce during baking, absorbing all of the delicious flavors.

Next, pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, making sure to spread it evenly. The sauce is not only going to coat the pasta, but it will also keep the meatballs moist and tender as everything bakes together.

Now, add your frozen meatballs on top of the sauce and pasta. They’ll thaw and cook in the casserole as it bakes, saving you time on preparation.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce, followed by the Parmesan cheese. These two cheeses will melt into the casserole and create a creamy, cheesy top layer.

Finally, sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, and basil over the top. These herbs will infuse the casserole with comforting Italian flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the pasta is tender. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve hot with your favorite side dish, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Conservation and Storage

Leftovers from this dump-and-bake casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors only improve as they sit, so it makes for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.

To reheat: Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Freezing:

If you want to make this casserole ahead of time or save it for later, it freezes well! Simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes, removing the foil halfway through to allow the cheese to brown.

Variations

The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is already an easy, customizable dish, but here are some fun variations to change up the flavor or make it fit your dietary preferences:

Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots into the casserole can boost the flavor and make the dish more filling. You can either chop them up and mix them in with the pasta or layer them on top of the sauce for added texture.
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available that will work just as well in this casserole.
Use Chicken Meatballs: If you prefer leaner meat or need a lighter alternative, you can substitute turkey or chicken meatballs for the beef ones. They will still provide a satisfying bite and hold up well in the casserole.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses! Swap out mozzarella for provolone, ricotta, or cheddar for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce, or swap regular marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few sides can elevate the dinner experience even more. Here are some great ideas for what to serve alongside this hearty dish:

Garlic Bread: The ultimate comfort food companion! A warm, crispy garlic bread or baguette makes the perfect tool for soaking up extra sauce.
Green Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette will add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve some roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots on the side for a healthy addition to the meal.
Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, serve the casserole with cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to bulk up the meal without adding too many carbs.

Conclusion

The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is everything you want in a cozy, comforting dinner—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. With its gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and pasta cooked right in the sauce, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home no matter where you are. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or serving it for a casual family dinner, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Plus, with plenty of options for variations and easy storage, this casserole is a winner every time.

So, the next time you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner, just dump, bake, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish!

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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: 7 Cozy Comforts at Home

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort? The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the answer! Packed with savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and pasta, all baked together in a flavorful marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual family meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile—everything you need for a cozy comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)

1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor):

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (for earthy flavor)

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (for sweetness and color)

1/2 cup diced onions (for savory flavor)

1/2 cup spinach or kale (for added nutrients)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly, with melted cheese bubbling to perfection.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Add uncooked pasta: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom. There’s no need to pre-cook the pasta; it will cook in the sauce while baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Pour the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. The sauce will coat the pasta and keep the meatballs moist during baking.

Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce. They will thaw and cook in the casserole as it bakes.

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Follow with the grated Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy top layer.

Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, and basil over the casserole. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the pasta is tender. If you prefer a crispy top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

No need to thaw meatballs: Since the meatballs are frozen, they will thaw and cook perfectly while the casserole bakes.

Adjust seasonings: You can adjust the garlic powder, oregano, and basil to suit your taste preferences.

Vegetarian option: For a meatless dish, swap the meatballs for vegetarian meatballs or use tofu for a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 to 1/6 of the casserole)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 930 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, Meatball Casserole, Easy Meatball Casserole, Cheesy Meatball Pasta, One-Pot Meatball Casserole, Baked Meatball Pasta