Irresistible Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meals like this dump and bake meatball casserole can rescue hectic weeknight dinners with minimal preparation.

Pasta, marinara, and tender meatballs create a satisfying combination that feels wonderfully homemade.

Minimal kitchen effort means maximum flavor in every single bite.

Convenience meets deliciousness when you toss ingredients into a single baking dish.

Hearty and filling, this recipe works magic for hungry crowds seeking quick satisfaction.

Melted cheese adds a golden crown to this simple yet spectacular meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this casserole for those nights when time is short but appetite is big.

Why Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Is So Convenient

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss all ingredients into a single baking dish without pre-cooking pasta or thawing meatballs, making this a one-step wonder for busy families.
• Zero Complicated Techniques: No advanced cooking skills required – even kitchen beginners can nail this delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick Comfort Food Solution: Satisfy hungry crowds with a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of tender meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce.

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked beef or pork meatballs that provide the hearty protein base for this easy casserole.

• Uncooked Pasta: Standard pasta that will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing flavors while creating a complete one-dish meal.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Water: Helps create enough liquid for pasta to cook evenly and prevents the dish from becoming too dry.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, creamy finish and add depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish and ensures easy serving.

How to Prepare Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Casserole Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Frozen meatballs
• Marinara sauce
• Water

Gently mix everything together so all ingredients get cozy and well-combined.

Step 3: Cover And Bake

Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, pull it out and give everything a quick stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Pop it back into the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your hassle-free meal!

Tips for a Delicious Meatball Casserole

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that suits different dietary needs.
• Select high-quality marinara sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based meatballs for a personalized touch.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers directly into the dish for increased nutrition.
• Cover the casserole tightly with foil to prevent moisture loss and ensure perfect pasta texture during baking.

Variations to Try with Meatball Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini, and use gluten-free marinara sauce and meatballs.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetable chunks, using vegetable marinara sauce.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, use spicy marinara, and top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using low-carb meatballs and marinara sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some freshness to the meal.
• Italiano Sidekick Spread: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and create a complete comfort food experience.
• Quick Weeknight Companion: Top with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and bright herbal notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Protein Power Plate: Complement the meal with roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create a well-rounded dinner option.

Best Storage for Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Refrigerated leftovers reheat best in the oven to maintain texture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Microwave works for quick reheating but may result in slightly softer pasta.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are roughly the same size and partially cooked before adding to the casserole.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because they cook evenly and catch the sauce well in this dump and bake method.

• Is it necessary to thaw the meatballs before using?

No, you can use frozen meatballs directly from the freezer. The cooking time and method in the recipe are designed to cook frozen meatballs thoroughly.

Best Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with minimal preparation. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal packed with flavor and convenience for busy home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 16 ounces (1 pound) uncooked pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquid:

• 1/2 cup water or broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage.
2. Layer uncooked pasta across the bottom of the dish, creating an even base for the casserole.
3. Distribute frozen meatballs uniformly over the pasta layer, spacing them to allow even cooking.
4. Pour marinara sauce directly over the meatballs and pasta, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Add water around the edges of the dish to help pasta cook and prevent drying.
6. Gently mix ingredients with a spatula to distribute sauce and water evenly without disturbing pasta placement.
7. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
8. Place in a preheated oven at 425F (220C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, creating a sealed cooking environment.
9. Midway through cooking, carefully remove foil and stir contents to prevent sticking and ensure uniform heating.
10. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top of the casserole, covering entire surface.
11. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
12. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping sauce thicken and flavors meld.

Notes

• Choose a hearty marinara sauce with robust flavors to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Use quick-cooking pasta like rotini or penne to ensure even cooking with frozen meatballs.
• Opt for low-sodium marinara and pre-cooked meatballs to control salt content and reduce cooking time.
• Customize the dish by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano before the final cheese layer for extra aromatic depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg