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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Distribute uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce and liquid over the pasta, thoroughly mixing to ensure complete coating.
- Sprinkle dry seasonings uniformly across the pasta mixture, creating a flavorful base.
- Nestle frozen meatballs strategically throughout the dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Securely seal the baking dish with aluminum foil, then transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and meatballs to heat through.
- Carefully remove foil and gently stir the casserole to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface of the dish.
- Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch.
- 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