Dump, Bake & Devour: Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe

Have you ever craved a dump and bake meatball casserole that simplifies weeknight dinners?

Pasta, sauce, and tender meatballs combine in one magical dish without complicated prep work.

Busy families appreciate meals that come together quickly and taste incredible.

Minimal dishes mean more time enjoying conversation around the table.

Convenience meets comfort in this straightforward recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Comfort food doesn’t get easier than combining ingredients in a single baking dish.

Hungry for a no-fuss dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort?

Dig into this delightful casserole that’ll become your new weeknight hero.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create The Casserole Base

• Pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water
• Meatballs

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and looking deliciously promising.

Step 3: Cover And Bake First Round

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a cozy little steam chamber for your meal.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

The pasta will become perfectly tender during this time.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Pull the dish out of the oven and remove the foil.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

across the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Final Bake And Melt

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Optional but recommended: Scatter some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your effortless meal!

Pro Tips for Meatball Casserole Success

• Use uncooked pasta to ensure it absorbs the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy during baking.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the marinara sauce for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after adding cheese to allow for perfect melting and easier serving.
• Swap meatballs with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a personalized meal.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and freeze before baking for a convenient make-ahead dinner option.

Variations to Customize Your Meatball Casserole

• Vegetarian Meatball Marvel: Replace traditional meatballs with plant-based alternatives like lentil balls, tofu meatballs, or store-bought vegetarian meatballs for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and swap marinara with arrabbiata sauce for a zesty, spiced-up casserole that brings Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the classic casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Meatball Casserole

• Family Feast Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Bread Lover's Companion: Serve warm garlic breadsticks or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delicious texture.
• Wine and Dine: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the dish.

Storage Advice for Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time to ensure they’re heated through completely.

• Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the dish?

No, the uncooked pasta will cook perfectly in the marinara sauce and water during the baking process, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work great because they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pan method.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

Why Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Rocks

• Simplify Meal Prep: This dump and bake recipe eliminates complex cooking steps, allowing you to toss ingredients into a single dish without extensive chopping or multiple pans.
• Minimal Clean-Up Solution: With just one baking dish required, you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal with your family.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combining pasta, meatballs, and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Requiring minimal hands-on preparation and using convenient ingredients like pre-made meatballs and marinara sauce, this casserole becomes a lifesaver for busy households.

Ingredients for No-Fuss Meatball Casserole

• Pasta: A quick-cooking pasta that absorbs the sauce and creates a hearty base for the casserole.
• Meatballs: Protein-packed meatballs that add rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey top layer with a delicious savory finish.

• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the right moisture level in the casserole.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs that add a fresh, bright garnish to the finished dish.

Hassle-free Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate, combining simple ingredients for maximum flavor. Pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you can enjoy with minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) frozen meatballs
• 2 cups (190g) uncooked pasta
• 3 cups (720ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (475ml) water

Cheese:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a large baking dish.
2. Pour uncooked pasta into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Add marinara sauce and water directly over the pasta, ensuring all noodles are coated.
4. Gently nestle frozen meatballs throughout the pasta mixture, distributing them uniformly.
5. Tightly seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to create a steamy cooking environment.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and become tender.
7. Remove the foil and generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
8. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
9. Once the cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp, remove from the oven.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant touch.
11. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still gooey.

Notes

• Swap store-bought meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives for a personalized touch and dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising on taste or texture.
• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini directly into the casserole before baking.
• For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese and lean protein meatballs to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining delicious flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 477 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg