If you love hearty, comforting meals that require minimal fuss, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender frozen meatballs mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This casserole is the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners where everyone can dig in straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the savory meatballs that provide protein and heartiness, to the pasta that adds satisfying chewiness and soaks up the sauce beautifully. The seasonings balance the flavor while the mozzarella brings that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Frozen meatballs (1 pound): Using frozen meatballs makes this dish quick and hassle-free while ensuring juicy, flavorful bites.
- Uncooked pasta (2 cups): Penne or rotini work perfectly, their shapes catching sauce and cheese in every nook.
- Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for rich tomato flavor.
- Water or beef broth (2 cups): This adds moisture so the pasta cooks evenly without drying out the casserole.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings warmth and classic Mediterranean notes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and a savory punch without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A gentle heat boost that livens up the sauce for anyone who loves a hint of spice.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a bubbly, golden crust that makes this casserole utterly irresistible.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness for garnish.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures your casserole comes out cleanly, ready for that beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients
Simply dump the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and your choice of water or beef broth into the baking dish. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld and the pasta gets coated evenly.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam inside. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This step is where the pasta softens right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of that delicious flavor while the meatballs heat through perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and give the casserole a quick stir to redistribute ingredients. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the dish if desired. This adds a lovely fresh note and color contrast that makes the meal even more inviting.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a simple way to brighten this rich casserole. You can also consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra richness and a more complex flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is wonderfully filling, side dishes should be light and fresh. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are perfect choices to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for a warm, comforting feel. If you want to dress it up, spoon portions onto plates and garnish with edible flowers, additional herbs, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a visually stunning touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole reheats beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a ready-made meal during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner fix that tastes just as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work just as well. Just make sure they are fully cooked before mixing them into the casserole to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold up well during baking and capture the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce and meatballs are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting casserole.
Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?
For sure! Adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach before baking can boost the nutrition and add more texture and flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both incredibly comforting and unbelievably simple, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe has your name on it. Easy to put together, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for time and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how satisfying a one-dish dinner can be!
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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and Italian seasonings, it’s baked to bubbly perfection topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Minimal prep and cleanup make it a family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meatball Casserole
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the pasta and meatballs thoroughly.
- Stir and add cheese: Carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake uncovered: Place the dish back into the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Substitute frozen turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted to taste for spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.
