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