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
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