When it comes to dinner, sometimes you just need a dish that’s easy to prepare, hearty, and comforting. Enter Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This dish is the ultimate weeknight winner – packed with flavor, cheese, and all the ingredients you love, it takes minimal effort to put together but tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
What makes this recipe even better? It’s a true “dump-and-bake” delight. No need to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a casserole on the table that everyone will devour in minutes. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, and meal prep!
Let’s take a deeper dive into the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and even some helpful tips and variations for customizing this recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this easy casserole recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to talk about what makes this casserole so irresistible. There are a few key factors that come together to make this dish a hit:
- Simplicity: As the name suggests, this casserole is incredibly simple to make. Just dump the ingredients in a baking dish, bake, and enjoy!
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and cheesy goodness makes it a cozy meal that satisfies all your cravings. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for both kids and adults. It has everything people love: meatballs, cheese, pasta, and sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap in different types of pasta, add extra veggies, or make it spicy there are endless ways to make this casserole your own!
Ready to get started? Let’s break down the ingredients and instructions to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple and satisfying casserole:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs: These provide the hearty, meaty base for the casserole. You can use beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs, depending on your preference.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: A rich and flavorful marinara sauce is the foundation of the casserole, adding depth and a delicious tomato-based flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy layer we all crave.
- 1 cup cooked pasta: Choose your favorite pasta penne, rotini, or any pasta that holds up well in a casserole. This adds structure and texture to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This gives the casserole that signature Italian flavor that pairs so well with meatballs and marinara sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little bit of garlic powder will add a savory punch to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the casserole just the right amount of spice.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds extra richness and flavor to the top of the casserole.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This is optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley will give the dish a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Directions for Making Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Let’s go through the steps to make this dish a reality. You’ll see just how quick and easy it is to pull together.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection. While your oven is warming up, get your 9×13-inch baking dish ready. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. You’ll want the casserole to slide right out once it’s cooked!
2. Combine the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part assembling the casserole! In your prepared baking dish, spread the frozen meatballs evenly across the bottom. There’s no need to thaw them first; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
Next, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully covered. This will infuse the meatballs with flavor as they cook. Then, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper over the sauce to add a punch of Italian flavor.
3. Add the Pasta
Once your meatballs are covered with sauce, it’s time to add the pasta. Add your cooked pasta on top of the meatballs and sauce. Be sure to spread it out evenly so that each bite of casserole has a perfect mix of meat, sauce, and pasta.
Now comes the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta and meatballs, followed by the grated Parmesan. The mozzarella will melt into a gooey, cheesy layer, while the Parmesan will create a slightly crispy, golden topping.
4. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the casserole cook evenly and keep the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help it set and make serving easier. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Then, serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy, meaty goodness!
Nutritional Information
If you’re wondering about the nutritional content of this dish, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
This makes for a relatively light yet filling meal, perfect for a hearty dinner without the guilt.
Tips for Perfect Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips that can help ensure the best results:
- Use High-Quality Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, choosing ones with high-quality ingredients will make a difference in flavor. You can also opt for homemade meatballs if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcook the Cheese: When you remove the foil, keep an eye on the cheese. You want it to be melted and bubbly but not overcooked. Keep the casserole in the oven just long enough to achieve that golden, cheesy finish.
- Customize the Pasta: While penne and rotini work well, feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Just make sure the pasta is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to make the dish a bit healthier, try adding some veggies to the casserole. You can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variations of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Meatball Alternatives: If you don’t eat beef, you can use chicken or turkey meatballs. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based meatballs made from lentils or soy.
- Different Sauces: While marinara is the classic choice, you could try switching it up with a white sauce or pesto for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or drizzle some hot sauce over the casserole before serving.
FAQs about Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work just as well. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What other pasta can I use for this recipe?
Feel free to swap the pasta with any shape you like! Rotini, ziti, farfalle, or rigatoni all work well.
Final Thoughts
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is one of those dishes that’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s got all the flavors we love: savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a golden, cheesy crust. Best of all, it requires minimal effort to make. Just dump the ingredients into a dish, pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty meal!
For more quick and delicious dinner ideas, check out these related recipes:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf – A Comfort Food Favorite
- Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs – A Game-Changing Recipe
- Cheese Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites – Perfect Party Appetizer
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – Easy, Comforting Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and comforting Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a weeknight dinner favorite! It’s loaded with savory meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine the ingredients: Spread the frozen meatballs evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs to fully cover them. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper on top.
- Add the pasta: Spread the cooked pasta over the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and meatballs, then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or rigatoni.
- Feel free to substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for a different twist.
- If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, easy meatball casserole, cheesy meatball bake, baked meatball casserole, simple dinner casserole, pasta casserole recipe