When it comes to cozy, comfort food, nothing quite compares to a Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. Picture this: a bubbling dish filled with tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese that practically begs you to dive in. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a cold day. For more inspiration, check out this buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe.

Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable family gathering when I first made this dish. It was supposed to be an easy dinner for a few friends, but as soon as they tasted the casserole, it turned into an impromptu feast! Laughter echoed around the table as we devoured every last bite. fresh Olive Garden salad This delightful recipe is perfect for potlucks or those lazy weeknights when you crave something hearty without breaking a sweat.

I remember serving this casserole at my cousin’s birthday party, and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Frozen Meatballs: Choose your favorite brand; they save time and add great flavor without any extra effort.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar of your preferred marinara sauce works perfectly; go for one that has bold flavors.
• Uncooked Pasta: Use rotini or penne for their fun shapes; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
• Shredded Cheese: Opt for mozzarella for its meltiness; feel free to mix in some parmesan for extra flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle adds depth; if you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use them!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
• Water: Necessary to cook the pasta in the oven while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the meatballs and sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden brown color.

Mix Ingredients in a Casserole Dish: In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Ensure everything is mixed well so each bite is flavorful.

Add Cheese on Top: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top of the mixture. Don’t hold back; we want that ooey-gooey layer!

Cover and Bake: Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until pasta is tender and bubbly.

Uncover and Broil: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and switch your oven setting to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is beautifully golden brown. Watch closely; nobody likes burnt cheese!

Let It Rest Before Serving: Once done baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets everything settle nicely so you can cut perfect squares without making a mess.

You are now ready to serve up warm portions of this delightful Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those fun gatherings where comfort food brought everyone together! decadent Texas sheet cake.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water, then nestle in the meatballs. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes before uncovering to finish cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor twist. Toss in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbling, bringing that delightful aroma back into your kitchen.

Nothing beats the joy of watching my kids devour this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole at dinner. Their smiles tell me I’ve hit the jackpot with this easy recipe—simple ingredients create happy hearts! delicious orange chicken. spicy southwest chicken salad. For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken casserole recipe recipe.

FAQ

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will add even more flavor but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

What type of pasta works best in this casserole?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce beautifully and cook evenly in this dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake; just add extra baking time if chilled.

Print

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and layers of gooey cheese in a quick one-dish meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole will leave everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 8 oz uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups water

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water until well combined.
3. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese generously.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the pasta is tender.
5. Uncover and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
6. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Swap marinara for Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor profile. If using fresh meatballs, adjust the cooking time as needed.