Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and enjoy!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs (or homemade, fully cooked)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce of choice)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the Ingredients:
- In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix everything evenly.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan can add saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly if you’re adding it later.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan (if using) over the top, and return the dish to the oven.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success
- No-Boil Pasta Tip: The uncooked pasta will absorb the sauce and water as it bakes, making it perfectly tender without pre-boiling.
- Homemade Meatballs: If using homemade meatballs, make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara if you prefer a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dump-and-bake meatball casserole with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a weeknight staple!