Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that combines convenience with comforting, rich flavors, then this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is just what you need. It’s an effortless recipe that takes just minutes to assemble but rewards you with a hearty, delicious dish bursting with savory meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and melty cheese on top. And speaking of cooking, choosing the perfect baking dish plays a huge role in the final outcome—this 9×13-inch pan is truly the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole, ensuring every ingredient melds together beautifully while cooking evenly from edge to center. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or looking to satisfy a crowd, this casserole has got you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Incredible flavors can come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, and for this casserole, each one plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the savory frozen meatballs to the tangy marinara and the creamy mozzarella topping, every element is essential to crafting a dish that feels both homemade and indulgent.

• 1 pound frozen meatballs: Choose beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs for your preferred protein and flavor profile.
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): These pasta shapes hold sauce well and cook to chewy perfection within the casserole.
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: A robust tomato sauce anchors the dish with richness and acidity.
• 2 cups water or beef broth: Broth adds depth, but water keeps it light—the choice is yours.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings Mediterranean flair.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory base with subtle garlic warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds comforting aromatic notes that balance the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Toss in for a gentle kick if you like a spicy edge.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for a perfectly balanced dish.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey topping that transforms this into pure comfort food.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A bright garnish that adds freshness and a splash of color.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will ensure a lovely bake that cooks the pasta through while creating a bubbly finish. Next, lightly grease your trusted 9×13-inch baking dish. This size really is the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole and ensures all the ingredients cook evenly without any overflow or crowding.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish

Dump the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and your choice of water or broth directly into the baking dish. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, optional red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together well, making sure the meatballs and pasta are evenly coated. This step is refreshingly quick and really highlights the beauty of the dump-and-bake approach—less fuss, more flavor!

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Seal your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow the pasta to cook perfectly in the sauce. Bake covered for 30 minutes while the meatballs heat through and the pasta absorbs the robust marinara and seasoning. The 9×13 baking dish, the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole, creates just the right environment for an evenly cooked, flavorful result.

Step 4: Uncover and Add Cheese

After the initial bake, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir to break up any clumps and distribute the flavors. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. This cheesy layer adds richness and binds the casserole together with an irresistible gooey texture.

Step 5: Final Bake for a Melty Finish

Pop the uncovered casserole back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the mozzarella has melted, bubbled, and started to develop a golden crust. This final step not only creates an eye-catching presentation but deepens the flavor and adds that delightful combination of textures we all crave in a satisfying casserole.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking—this resting time helps it set up so serving portions hold together beautifully. Sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley if you like a fresh herbal burst and a pop of green. Having the right dish size again shows here; the 9×13-inch pan being the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole ensures your servings will be generous and neat.

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan elevate the presentation and add layers of fresh herbal and cheesy brightness. You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes for guests who like extra heat. The garnish not only complements the flavors but adds visual appeal that invites everyone to dig in!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a warm loaf of crusty bread perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. These sides add freshness and variety, balancing out the richness of the casserole itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, serve this casserole family-style right in the baking dish—the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole means everyone can help themselves to generous portions. Alternatively, dish it up in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation that looks impressive without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well thanks to the sauce that keeps the pasta moist and the meatballs tender. Simply cover it tightly to lock in freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions or the entire dish (if it’s oven-safe) in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing any of its hearty, comforting qualities.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, uncovering near the end to refresh the cheese topping. If reheating smaller portions, the microwave works well too—just cover loosely to trap steam but avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Using fresh meatballs works great—just make sure they’re partially cooked before assembling the casserole so they finish cooking through during baking.

What types of pasta work best for this casserole?

Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce well and maintain texture. Avoid thin or delicate pastas that might become mushy during the bake.

Is it okay to substitute the marinara sauce?

Yes! You can use your favorite tomato sauce or even a homemade marinara to customize the flavor. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up in the casserole.

How spicy does the casserole get with red pepper flakes?

Just a little kick—1/4 teaspoon adds subtle heat without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjust to your comfort level or leave out for a milder dish.

Why is a 9×13-inch baking dish important?

This dish size is ideal because it’s the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole, allowing the pasta to cook evenly and the sauce to distribute properly without being too crowded or too shallow.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole truly brings the best of convenience and comfort to your table. I can’t recommend enough having the right dish on hand—the 9×13 pan is quite literally the perfect size to hold this hearty casserole and turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Give this recipe a try and see just how effortlessly delicious a dump-and-bake dinner can be. Your future busy weeknights will thank you!

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