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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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  • Author: Lisa
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

  3. Spread uncooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.

  4. Place frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.

  5. Pour marinara sauce over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated.

  6. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top.

  7. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

  9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.

  10. 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.