The Easiest Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this incredible dump and bake meatball casserole that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pasta lovers will adore how simple ingredients come together in one pan.

Hearty and comforting, the dish combines classic Italian-inspired elements without complicated preparation steps.

Frozen meatballs become the secret weapon for quick meal magic.

Cheese melts beautifully over tender noodles, creating a delicious one-dish wonder that everyone craves.

Busy families can celebrate this no-fuss meal that saves time without sacrificing taste.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe so straightforward you’ll make it again and again.

Storing Meatball Casserole Properly

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Pack the casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking, and ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.

• What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work great. They hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the dish.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the initial baking time.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses simple, affordable ingredients like frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, making it an economical meal for families.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Made Easy

• Simplify Meal Prep: Skip multiple cooking steps with this one-dish wonder that combines pasta, meatballs, and sauce in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious energy.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Utilize frozen meatballs directly from the freezer, making this recipe perfect for busy families or last-minute dinner solutions without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Customize with Ease: Swap marinara for your favorite sauce, experiment with different cheese blends, or add vegetables to personalize the casserole while maintaining its core simplicity and deliciousness.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Deliver a crowd-pleasing meal that combines kid-friendly meatballs with cheesy pasta, ensuring smiles around the dinner table and minimal mealtime resistance from picky eaters.

Ingredients for Meatball Casserole

• Uncooked Pasta: The base of the casserole that absorbs the delicious marinara sauce and creates a hearty meal.
• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein that adds robust flavor and makes the dish quick to prepare.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian sauce that provides rich tomato flavor and moisture to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty toppings that create a golden, creamy finish and add depth to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance the overall taste and bring traditional Italian flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.
• Water or Broth: Provides additional moisture to help cook the pasta and prevent dryness.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or light coating of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

Spread the uncooked pasta directly into the greased baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.

Step 3: Add Flavor-Packed Liquids

Pour in your favorite marinara sauce and water (or chicken broth) over the pasta.

Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the pasta is well-coated and distributed.

Step 4: Sprinkle Magical Seasonings

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix the seasonings gently to distribute them evenly across the dish.

Step 5: Nestle the Meatballs

Carefully place frozen meatballs across the pasta, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the foil and give the casserole a quick stir.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

across the top of the dish.

Step 8: Final Bake and Melt

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become golden, melted, and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve piping hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Best Meatball Casserole Outcome

• Opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake without sacrificing flavor.
• Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Stir the casserole halfway through cooking to ensure even pasta cooking and prevent sticking.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
• Mix in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers before baking to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture.

Variations on Meatball Casserole

• Mediterranean Meatball Casserole: Replace marinara sauce with diced tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatball Bake: Swap marinara for salsa, use pepper jack cheese, add black beans, corn kernels, and top with chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Alfredo Meatball Pasta: Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce, incorporate spinach leaves, use a blend of mozzarella and Romano cheese, and garnish with crispy bacon bits.

Pairings for Meatball Casserole Dish

• Complement with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, tangy mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the rich, cheesy pasta and balance the hearty meatballs.
• Select Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the tomato sauce's acidity and complements the savory meatball flavors.
• Serve Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Refresh with Sparkling Beverage: Offer a crisp Italian soda or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites of the robust casserole.

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Cheesy pasta and savory meatballs combine in one-pan magic you’ll crave on busy weeknights.

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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)

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Distribute uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Pour marinara sauce and liquid over the pasta, thoroughly mixing to ensure complete coating.
4. Sprinkle dry seasonings uniformly across the pasta mixture, creating a flavorful base.
5. Nestle frozen meatballs strategically throughout the dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Securely seal the baking dish with aluminum foil, then transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 35 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and meatballs to heat through.
8. Carefully remove foil and gently stir the casserole to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
9. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface of the dish.
10. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
11. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch.
12. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Make sure to use a baking dish with high sides to prevent boiling over during cooking.
• Choose marinara sauce with robust flavor to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs or homemade ones for better texture and flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg