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