Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe: Weeknight Wonder Dish

When weeknight dinners demand a delicious and easy meatball casserole solution, this dump and bake meatball casserole recipe comes to the rescue with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pasta, hearty meatballs, and rich marinara sauce combine in one simple dish that practically prepares itself.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly these ingredients meld together in a single baking pan.

No complex techniques or multiple pots required for this crowd-pleasing meal.

Each bite delivers comforting, cheesy goodness that satisfies hungry family members in record time.

Melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta make this casserole an instant favorite you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Dive into this stress-free dinner that promises to become a weeknight staple.

Why Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Is A Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a creamy, cheesy potato casserole that hugs your taste buds with its rich, satisfying flavors and irresistible crispy topping.
• Super Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, spread in a dish, and bake – no complicated techniques or fancy skills required for this crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile Meal Maker: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a hearty side dish that complements everything from roasted meats to grilled vegetables.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like frozen hash browns, common pantry spices, and basic dairy products that won't break the bank.

Ingredients For Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Pasta: Uncooked pasta forms the hearty base of this easy casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that provides rich flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein that adds savory depth to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey topping and add creamy richness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Blend of spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used as a fresh garnish to add color and a light herbal note.

• Water or Broth: Liquid component that helps cook the pasta and create a saucy consistency.

Clear Instructions For Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the prepared baking dish.

• Marinara sauce
• Water or chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Nestle the Meatballs

Gently place frozen meatballs across the pasta mixture, spreading them out evenly so every bite gets some meaty goodness.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Cover the 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 mingle.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve piping hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Helpful Tips To Perfect Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Choose high-quality, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne that hold sauce well and maintain texture during baking.
• Use homemade or premium marinara sauce for richer flavor, avoiding watery or overly sweet store-bought versions.
• Let cheese sit for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve perfect melting and prevent burning or excessive browning.
• Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to reduce overall cooking time and ensure even heating throughout the casserole.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to boost aroma and add a bright, fresh element to the dish.

Creative Twists To Try On Meatball Casserole

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Substitute marinara with salsa, add taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's delicious essence.

Best Pairings To Serve With Meatball Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich marinara and meaty flavors, enhancing the casserole's hearty profile.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's heaviness and add fresh, tangy contrast.
• Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty French bread brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with fresh parsley and oregano, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding textural crunch.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Choose a lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of cheese and meatballs while refreshing the taste buds.

Tips To Store Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Fresh

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade ones. Just ensure they are similar in size and fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

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

No, the uncooked pasta will cook directly in the marinara sauce and liquid during baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can replace marinara sauce with tomato sauce, pasta sauce, or even crushed tomatoes. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor profile.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Cheesy pasta, juicy meatballs, and simple preparation make this meal a quick winner for hungry families craving delicious home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked penne or rotini pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Spread uncooked pasta across the bottom of the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
3. Pour marinara sauce and water (or broth) over the pasta, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is coated and liquid is distributed evenly.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper across the surface for enhanced flavor.
5. Distribute frozen meatballs uniformly over the pasta and seasoned liquid, ensuring consistent coverage.
6. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and cook.
7. Remove foil, stir the contents to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
8. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Swap pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and cutting back on added salt.
• Enhance protein content by selecting lean turkey or chicken meatballs instead of traditional beef varieties.
• Boost vegetable intake by mixing in fresh spinach or diced zucchini before baking for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 576 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg