The Easiest Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort flows through this hearty dump and bake meatball casserole that promises maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Pasta, tender meatballs, and melted cheese create a magical combination everyone adores.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that still spark joy around the table.

Minimal prep means you can focus on connecting with loved ones instead of standing over complicated recipes.

Convenience meets deliciousness in this one-pan wonder that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, developing rich flavors while baking to golden perfection.

Jump into this stress-free meal that guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are fully thawed and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

• Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese?

While both cheeses add great flavor, you can use just one type if preferred. Mozzarella provides melty texture, and Parmesan adds a sharp, salty taste.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal. These shapes hold sauce well and cook evenly in the dump and bake method.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Breakdown

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients directly into a baking dish without pre-cooking pasta or thawing meatballs, saving precious kitchen time and reducing cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic Italian flavors with cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect family meal everyone will love.
• Minimal Ingredient Hassle: Requires just a few basic pantry staples and frozen meatballs, creating a delicious one-pan meal with zero complicated cooking techniques.
• Flexible Feeding Solution: Easily scales to feed a hungry family or can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the sauce and provides a filling foundation for the casserole.
• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made protein that adds robust flavor and convenience to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a melty, golden topping that adds creamy texture and savory taste.

• Water, Italian Seasoning: Water helps cook the pasta, while Italian seasoning adds depth and traditional herb flavor to the dish.

Step-By-Step Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425F (220C) and get ready for a hassle-free dinner adventure.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water
• Italian seasoning

Mix everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Position Meatballs

Gently nestle frozen meatballs on top of the pasta mixture, spreading them evenly across the dish.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35 minutes to let the flavors mingle and pasta cook.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes, letting the flavors settle before diving in. This quick pause helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Choose quick-cooking pasta like rotini or penne for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Opt for high-quality marinara sauce to enhance overall flavor and richness of the dish.
• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or pre-cooked meatballs if preferred, adjusting baking time accordingly.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for increased nutrition and added texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for unique flavor variations.

Flavor Variations for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetable chunks for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and check marinara sauce ingredients to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Protein-Packed Version: Substitute regular meatballs with turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner protein alternative with similar comfort food appeal.

Serving Ideas for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Family Weeknight Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, as it travels well and can be kept warm in a slow cooker, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy lunch prep, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal for the next day that reheats beautifully in the microwave.
• Italian-Inspired Twist: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of heat to this comforting pasta bake.

Storing Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months.
• Refrigerator Reheating: Place portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture.

Simple Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole delivers comfort on a plate with minimal kitchen effort. Simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that families will eagerly devour when you crave something quick and delicious.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 pound uncooked pasta
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese:

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

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425F (220C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for a quick and hearty meal.
2. Combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning directly in the baking dish, creating a flavorful base.
3. Arrange frozen meatballs evenly across the pasta mixture, ensuring consistent coverage.
4. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil, trapping moisture and allowing pasta to cook thoroughly for 35 minutes.
5. Carefully remove foil and generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the surface.
6. Return uncovered dish to oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to melt, bubble, and develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Allow casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5 minutes, helping the dish set and making serving easier.

Notes

• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary preferences and nutritional boost.
• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives like vegetarian meatballs for personalized meal variations.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the sauce for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid and ensure a perfectly crispy cheese topping during final baking stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg