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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
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★★★★★

4.7 from 16 reviews

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, hearty, and flavorful one-dish meal that combines frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce baked together with Italian seasonings and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires minimal prep and delivers a comforting, cheesy, and savory dinner in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Pasta

  • 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping and Garnish

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Additional

  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
  2. Combine the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the 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 everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until well combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and heat. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and broth and the meatballs to heat through.
  4. Add the Cheesy Topping: Remove the foil carefully, stir the casserole to evenly distribute the ingredients, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Final Bake: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  6. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  7. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot with your favorite side dishes such as a salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute water with beef broth for deeper flavor.
  • Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, do not omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Make sure to cover the dish with foil initially to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
  • Use freshly grated mozzarella cheese for better melting and texture.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, one dish meal, baked pasta, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole/