Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Dump and bake meatball casserole redefines weeknight dinners into a stress-free culinary adventure.

Busy families constantly seek simple yet satisfying meal solutions that minimize kitchen chaos.

Hearty comfort food meets convenience with this effortless one-pan wonder that combines savory ingredients into a delightful dining experience.

Classic pasta and protein merge seamlessly without complicated preparation techniques or multiple cooking steps.

Robust flavors develop naturally during the baking process, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Quick assembly means you can have a wholesome meal ready in less time than ordering takeout.

The beauty of this dish lies in its minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Why Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Is a Go-To Dinner

• Effortless One-Dish Wonder: Toss everything into a baking dish without pre-cooking pasta or browning meatballs, creating a hassle-free meal that saves time and reduces cleanup.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal: Combines classic Italian flavors with tender meatballs, perfectly seasoned pasta, and gooey melted cheese that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Combines familiar ingredients kids love like meatballs and cheese in a simple, hearty casserole that's guaranteed to make dinnertime exciting and stress-free for parents.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Transforms frozen meatballs and pantry staples into a complete meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and convenient dinner solutions.

What’s in This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Frozen Meatballs: Hearty protein option that can be beef, turkey, or chicken for flexible meal preparation.
• Pasta: Penne or rotini work best for holding sauce and creating a satisfying texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian-style tomato sauce that provides rich flavor and moisture.
• Water or Beef Broth: Adds necessary liquid for cooking pasta and creating sauce consistency.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Convenient ways to introduce deep, aromatic background notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a subtle spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates creamy topping with mild, stretchy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright color and fresh herb accent.

How to Prepare Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Warm up the oven to 425°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs
• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water or beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the hot oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and pasta soften.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

Pull out the casserole and give it a quick stir. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top, creating a delicious blanket of melty goodness.

Step 5: Final Baking

Return the uncovered dish to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly layer.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to settle and cool slightly. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and serve piping hot. Watch your family and friends dive into this easy, delicious meal!

Tips to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Even Better

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Let ingredients sit for 5-10 minutes before baking to allow seasonings to meld and enhance overall taste profile.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Use slightly less water if marinara sauce is thin to prevent soggy pasta texture and maintain ideal casserole consistency.
• Choose Meatball Quality: Select high-quality frozen meatballs with robust seasoning for deeper flavor and more authentic Italian-style results.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Broil for 1-2 minutes after final bake to create golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings based on personal preference, allowing easy personalization of heat and flavor intensity.

Storing and Reheating Meatball Casserole Leftovers

Refrigerate: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.

Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.

Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

What to Serve with Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: A bold, medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich marinara and meaty flavors, cutting through the cheesy goodness with its tangy notes.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta and melted cheese, soaking up extra sauce deliciously.
• Add Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty casserole, adding freshness and cutting through the richness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli or brussels sprouts with olive oil and herbs create a nutritious side that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile and adds nutritional balance.

Ways to Switch Up This Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Veggie Lover's Swap: Replace meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a nutritious vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Substitute marinara sauce with salsa, add taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Creamy Alfredo Option: Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara, switch to grilled chicken meatballs, and sprinkle parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy pasta bake experience.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate feta cheese, use Greek-style meatballs, add kalamata olives, and drizzle with olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese combine in one simple pan for a quick family-friendly meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)

Carbohydrates:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425°F, ensuring your baking vessel is primed with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Directly in the baking dish, tumble frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce into a harmonious blend, complementing the mixture with water, Italian herbs, garlic and onion powders, and a whisper of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
3. Thoroughly integrate all ingredients, creating a uniform layer that promises maximum flavor infusion during cooking.
4. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil, transforming the baking dish into a steamy flavor chamber for precisely 30 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the foil and gently redistribute the ingredients, ensuring even cooking and preventing any pasta from sticking.
6. Lavishly scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket that will transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt and develop rich, tantalizing golden edges for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Extract the casserole from the oven and permit a brief resting period, allowing flavors to settle and temperatures to moderate.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Effortless weeknight dinner that transforms frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta into a deliciously cheesy one-dish marvel.
• Minimal prep time means you’ll have a hearty meal ready in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving comfort food.
• Customizable recipe allows quick swaps like gluten-free pasta, different cheese blends, or spicy marinara to match your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg