There’s a certain magic to casseroles—the kind that fills your kitchen with warmth and the unmistakable aroma of home. This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is no exception. It’s the epitome of comfort food, offering a symphony of rich marinara sauce, tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese.

What makes this dish so special isn’t just its irresistible flavors. It’s the simplicity and ease of preparation, a quality that makes it perfect for families on busy weeknights or anyone who wants a no-fuss meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Imagine a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven, its cheesy top golden and inviting. Each bite is like a warm hug—a little reminder of the joy that comes from sharing meals with loved ones.

This dish also carries the essence of tradition. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s, where every bite was made with love and family stories flowed as freely as the marinara sauce. Now, you can bring those comforting memories to life in your kitchen with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

Let’s dive in and create a casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: No need to precook pasta or fuss over the stove. Everything goes into one dish, saving you time and energy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and picky eaters alike will love this flavorful, cheesy combination.
• Customizable: You can add vegetables, swap pasta shapes, or even adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything bakes in one dish, you won’t have to spend extra time scrubbing pots and pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or beef broth (for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Assemble the Ingredients

In the baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until all the pasta is coated and the meatballs are evenly distributed.

Tip: Make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid. This ensures it cooks evenly during baking.

3. Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam inside the dish, cooking the pasta to tender perfection without drying it out. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

4. Stir and Add Cheese

After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully (watch out for the hot steam!). Stir the casserole to mix the flavors and ensure everything is cooking evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, spreading it to the edges for maximum coverage.

5. Bake Uncovered

Return the dish to the oven, this time uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese will melt into a luscious, bubbly topping, with some golden brown spots for added texture.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, and serve warm. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Helpful Tips

• Meatball Options: If you prefer homemade meatballs, feel free to use them. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
• Broth for Flavor: Beef broth adds a deeper, savory flavor compared to water. Choose low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Cheese Blend: While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in Parmesan or cheddar for a more complex, cheesy flavor.
• Add Veggies: To make this dish more nutritious, toss in some chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or zucchini. They’ll cook beautifully alongside the other ingredients.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Dietary Info: Easily customizable for various diets.

Notes

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
• This casserole freezes well! Portion it into individual servings for easy meal prep. Simply thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work well in this recipe, but make sure they’re cooked beforehand since the casserole’s baking time isn’t long enough to cook raw meat thoroughly.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or omit them entirely. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty, vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked casserole in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this casserole, try these equally comforting dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Conclusion

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a love letter to the simplicity and joy of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this dish guarantees a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic of this casserole unfold. Don’t forget to savor each cheesy, saucy bite!

Print