Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a true game-changer when it comes to weeknight meals. It’s quick, easy, and requires almost no effort on your part. Simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and the oven takes care of the rest! The combination of juicy meatballs, cheesy layers, and perfectly baked pasta makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable—add extra veggies or switch up the pasta to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
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Marinara sauce
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Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Parmesan cheese
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Garlic powder
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil (optional, for greasing the pan)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
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Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.
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Place the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
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Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
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Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition, toss in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini with the pasta and meatballs.
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Cheese Swap: Use provolone or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and meatballs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When ready, bake as directed, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use homemade or fresh meatballs. If using fresh meatballs, bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes before adding to the casserole.
Can I substitute the pasta for a different type?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, ziti, or rotini. Just make sure it’s uncooked when assembling the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can also check the meatballs by cutting one in half to ensure they’re fully heated.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! After assembling, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meatballs with a plant-based meatball or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Can I add more sauce?
Of course! If you prefer more sauce, feel free to add extra marinara sauce to the casserole to keep the pasta and meatballs moist.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for added flavor.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can substitute marinara with a different tomato-based sauce like arrabbiata, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist on this dish.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes to serve alongside this hearty casserole.
Conclusion
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an incredibly easy, satisfying, and delicious meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting dish packed with flavor, perfect for busy nights or whenever you’re craving a classic Italian-inspired dinner. Try it today and experience the joy of a no-fuss, tasty meal!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. Packed with juicy frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pasta, it’s an easy, delicious, and comforting meal that’s made with minimal effort. Customize with veggies, spices, or different cheeses for a unique twist on this classic dish. Ready in just over an hour, it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
-
Frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
-
Marinara sauce
-
Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
-
Shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Parmesan cheese
-
Garlic powder
-
Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the pan)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
-
Spread uncooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.
-
Place frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
-
Pour marinara sauce over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated.
-
Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top.
-
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can make this casserole ahead of time by assembling it a day prior and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.For extra nutrition, add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.Use gluten-free pasta and meatballs to make this dish gluten-free.
