Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a convenient, comforting one-dish meal featuring frozen meatballs baked with pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and combines hearty flavors with gooey melted cheese for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
Base
- 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, and water. Stir in the uncooked pasta until everything is well mixed together, distributing the meatballs and pasta throughout the sauce.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note and serve warm.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe highly convenient and reduces prep time.
- If preferred, fresh herbs like basil can be stirred in before baking for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the baking dish is large enough to allow room for the pasta to expand while cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the pasta will absorb more sauce and thicken over time.
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump-and-bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, comfort food, weeknight meal, mozzarella, Parmesan
