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