Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Simply combine all the ingredients in one dish, bake, and enjoy a hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a casserole dish, combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
3. Step 3: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through.
4. Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use homemade meatballs or pasta sauce for a more personalized touch.
• If the casserole is too watery after baking, try reducing the water slightly or uncover the dish during the last 20 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.
• Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent drying out, cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What size casserole dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe, but a 2 to 2.5 quart casserole dish is also suitable.

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh or homemade meatballs can be used. Just ensure they are partially cooked before assembling the casserole to guarantee they finish cooking in the bake time.

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 141 reviews

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal that combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and sauce for an effortless dinner. This casserole requires minimal prep and is baked in the oven, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It results in a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or seasonings.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish (ideally 9×13 inches or approximately 2 to 2.3 quarts), combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta evenly. The water helps cook the pasta and keeps the dish moist.
3. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the meatballs to heat through and the pasta to cook in the sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot. The dish is ready to enjoy as a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Feel free to use homemade meatballs or pasta sauce if you want a more personalized and fresh flavor.
• If the dish seems watery after baking, try reducing the water amount slightly next time or uncover the dish earlier to allow moisture to evaporate.
• Use a casserole dish size around 9×13 inches or approximately 2 to 2.3 quarts for best results.
• Consider using pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni which hold sauce well and cook evenly in this method.

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, one dish meal