Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Discovering a quick and delightful dump and bake meatball casserole recipe can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Pasta lovers will adore this hassle-free meal that combines convenience with incredible flavor.

Comfort food meets effortless cooking in this one-pan wonder.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy households craving a satisfying meal.

Cheese, pasta, and savory meatballs create a magical combination that everyone will crave.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels like culinary magic.

I promise this dish will become your new go-to solution for easy, delicious dinners that spark smiles around the table.

Best Storage Tips for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container, ensuring no air pockets. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Add splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent pasta from becoming tough.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade ones. Just ensure they’re fully thawed and pre-cooked before adding to the casserole.

  • Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the dish?

No, the uncooked pasta will cook directly in the marinara sauce and water during baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work perfectly. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which might not cook evenly.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole That Comforts and Delights

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole That Comforts and Delights
  • Tackle Kitchen Simplicity: This dump-and-bake recipe eliminates complicated cooking steps, allowing anyone to create a delicious meal with minimal effort and zero cooking skills required.
  • Minimal Prep Power: Frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta go directly into the dish, cutting down preparation time and reducing dirty dishes for an incredibly convenient dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic Italian flavors of marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese create a universally loved meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • One-Pan Wonder: By using a single casserole dish from start to finish, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and streamlines the entire cooking process, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time washing up.

Essential Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein base that provides hearty flavor and texture to the casserole.
  • Pasta: Uncooked pasta that will cook directly in the sauce, creating a complete one-dish meal.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Water: Essential liquid that helps cook the pasta and create the right consistency.
Seasoning Group:
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Italian flavor to the casserole.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Cheese Group:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, creamy topping with rich, savory notes.
Cooking Accessory:
  • Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking, trapping moisture and helping ingredients cook evenly.

How to Make a Hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

How to Make a Hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven For Deliciousness

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C), getting ready for a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort.

Step 2: Create One-Dish Magic

Grab a large casserole dish and toss in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Frozen meatballs
  • Uncooked pasta
  • Marinara sauce
  • Water

Step 3: Enhance With Seasoning

Sprinkle in some flavor boosters:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cover And Bake Initially

Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil, trapping all those incredible flavors inside.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the foil and generously scatter:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10-15 minutes, waiting for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then dive into this effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips to Make Your Meatball Casserole Shine

  • Use homemade, store-bought frozen, or gluten-free meatballs to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Add extra water sparingly to prevent a watery casserole or adjust marinara sauce consistency for desired texture.
  • Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after final baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect melty texture.

Flavor Variations for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

  • Vegetarian Meatball Option: Replace frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, beans, or soy protein for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and use lean turkey or chicken meatballs to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions to Enjoy Your Meatball Casserole

  • Cheesy Garlic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian loaf, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown for a perfect side that soaks up extra sauce.
  • Crisp Green Salad Partner: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • Wine Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and cheesy meatball casserole.
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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 12 reviews

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

Description

Mouthwatering dump and bake meatball casserole combines hearty pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese in one simple dish. Weeknight dinner heroes can quickly assemble this comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) frozen meatballs

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400F (200C), preparing a spacious baking dish for a streamlined one-pan meal.
  2. Arrange frozen meatballs in the dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  3. Pour uncooked pasta directly over the meatballs, ensuring uniform distribution.
  4. Drench the pasta and meatballs with marinara sauce, coating every surface thoroughly.
  5. Add water to help pasta cook and prevent sticking, mixing gently to incorporate all ingredients.
  6. Season the mixture with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, distributing flavors throughout the dish.
  7. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil, trapping moisture and heat for even cooking.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes, allowing meatballs to thaw and pasta to become tender.
  9. Remove foil and generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
  10. Return to oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
  11. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce settle before serving.

Notes

  • Customize meatballs by using homemade or store-bought varieties to match dietary preferences like gluten-free, beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
  • Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and seasoning moderately to control salt levels.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the casserole for extra vitamins and fiber.
  • Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 405 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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