Fuss-Free Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Pasta lovers adore this dump and bake meatball casserole that simplifies weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Convenience meets deliciousness in a single pan where frozen meatballs mingle with uncooked noodles.

Hearty ingredients create a comforting meal that practically prepares itself while you relax.

Cheesy layers promise maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy, this recipe eliminates kitchen stress and delivers maximum flavor.

Comfort food doesn’t get simpler or more satisfying than this hands-off approach to dinner.

One pan and a few simple ingredients stand between you and a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will devour.

Why Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Is So Simple

• Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into a single dish without pre-cooking pasta or defrosting meatballs, making meal preparation incredibly straightforward and stress-free.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Delivers a complete, hearty meal with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited and hunger is high.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching marinara sauce, adding different seasonings, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic flavors of melted cheese, savory meatballs, and pasta that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked meatballs that add hearty protein and flavor to the casserole.

• Uncooked Pasta: Absorbs the sauce and cooks directly in the baking dish for a convenient one-pan meal.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich tomato base with classic Italian flavors.
• Water or Broth: Helps create moisture for cooking the pasta and preventing dryness.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and extra depth to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and bringing out the flavors.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey cheese layer on top of the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Create One-Pot Magic

• Frozen meatballs
• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water or broth
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 3: First Baking Round

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

Let it bake for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, creating a golden, melty layer.

Step 5: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become irresistibly melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and savor every comforting bite of this easy one-dish wonder.

Pro Tips for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Prepare and freeze homemade meatballs in advance for a quick weeknight meal, saving time and effort.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish mild or zesty based on family preferences.
• Replace mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check marinara sauce ingredients to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Chop extra fresh herbs like basil or oregano and sprinkle on top for added brightness and restaurant-style presentation.

Variations on Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Vegetarian Meatball Marvel: Replace frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Use vegetable broth for added depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Substitute marinara with roasted red pepper sauce. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Sprinkle with oregano and za'atar for extra Mediterranean flair.

Serving Ideas for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop some extra parsley, basil, or oregano to add a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the cheesy casserole.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crispy, warm garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add extra crunch.
• Green Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy meatball pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and rich flavors of the meatball casserole.

How to Store Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just reduce the initial baking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• Is it okay to substitute marinara sauce with another sauce?

Absolutely! You can use tomato sauce, arrabbiata sauce, or homemade pasta sauce as alternatives.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they cook evenly and mix well with meatballs.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace meatballs with plant-based meatballs or vegetable alternatives like roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Quick and comforting Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole delivers hearty Italian-inspired flavors without complicated prep work. Pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese combine effortlessly for a satisfying meal you can enjoy any night of the week.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or beef broth

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Arrange frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, liquid, and seasonings in a large baking dish, creating a comprehensive flavor base.
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and sauce across the dish.
3. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote even cooking.
4. Roast in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 35 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and cook simultaneously.
5. Carefully remove foil and gently stir the casserole to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
6. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the surface, creating a rich and creamy top layer.
7. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
8. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the dish for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
9. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives to customize the dish for different dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the casserole for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles and keep the meal exciting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg