Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: Effortless Comfort for Busy Weeknights

When time is tight, and you need a quick, satisfying meal, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole will save the day. Combining hearty pasta, juicy meatballs, and gooey cheese, this casserole is as easy as it gets—simply dump everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a hungry family, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: No need to cook the pasta or thaw the meatballs ahead of time. Just combine everything in one dish and bake!
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one dish, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to clean.
• Kid-Friendly: This cheesy, saucy casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family dinner option.

Let’s get started on this super easy, delicious casserole that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs: No need to defrost—just add them straight to the dish for ultimate convenience.
• 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or ziti): Use a sturdy pasta shape like penne or ziti that holds up well in casseroles.
• 3 cups marinara sauce: Your favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce adds rich, tomatoey flavor.
• 2 cups water: This helps cook the pasta right in the baking dish.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty cheesy topping.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian flavor.
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, fragrant finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

In a large baking dish, combine the following ingredients: 1 lb frozen meatballs, 12 oz uncooked pasta, 3 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the meatballs and pasta are evenly coated in the sauce.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—there’s no need to pre-cook anything. The pasta will cook in the sauce and water as it bakes, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

3. Cover and Bake:

Once everything is mixed, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam inside, which cooks the pasta and heats the meatballs thoroughly.

Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are hot all the way through. The pasta should be perfectly cooked by the time you remove the foil.

4. Add the Cheese:

After the initial baking time, remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The melted cheese adds a creamy, comforting finish to the dish.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with your favorite side dishes or a simple green salad.

Tips for Success:

• Use a Good-Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a key component of this dish, using a high-quality marinara will enhance the overall flavor.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese by adding other varieties like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before baking.

Conclusion:

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a game-changer for busy nights when you need a meal that’s easy, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese is pure comfort in every bite. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup, you can spend more time enjoying your evening and less time in the kitchen.

Pair this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.