Discover a delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This comforting casserole combines savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all baked together in one dish. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s both convenient to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Simply dump all the ingredients into a casserole dish and bake—no complicated steps.
Comfort food favorite: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole hits all the cozy notes after a long day.
Family-friendly flavors: Classic meatballs and tomato sauce appeal to kids and adults alike.
One-dish meal: Combines protein, carbs, and sauce in a single pan, reducing cleanup time.
Meal prep compatible: Easy to customize and store for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something vital to the dish—from juicy meatballs and savory sauce to creamy cheese and tender pasta that holds everything together.

Frozen meatballs: A time-saver that’s convenient and flavorful, perfect for quick meals.
Marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it adds depth and moisture to the casserole.
Uncooked pasta: Usually penne or rigatoni works great because it bakes beautifully absorbing flavors.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that classic cheesy topping everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty bite to enhance the overall taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warm, aromatic notes to every bite.
Garlic powder: For an extra layer of savory flavor without adding prep time.
Water or broth: Needed to cook the pasta right in the casserole as it bakes.

Variations for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Feel free to get creative with this recipe based on your pantry, dietary preferences, or what’s in season. It’s easy to swap ingredients and still keep it delicious and comforting.

Vegetable boost: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese twist: Try provolone or a bit of feta instead of mozzarella for a unique cheesy experience.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Low-carb option: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Turkey or chicken meatballs: Swap traditional beef for leaner meatballs to suit healthier eating goals.

Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so your meal won’t stick after baking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In your casserole dish, layer the uncooked pasta and frozen meatballs evenly. Pour the marinara sauce over the top evenly, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add water or broth, ensuring the liquid just covers the pasta for it to cook perfectly.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of your casserole, creating a deliciously cheesy layer that will melt and bubble in the oven.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite.

Pro Tips for Making Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Use frozen meatballs: They save time and lock in flavor without sacrificing quality.
Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the casserole rest allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Cover while baking: Keeps moisture in so the pasta cooks perfectly without drying out.
Adjust liquid carefully: Too little will leave pasta undercooked; too much makes it soupy—just enough for tender pasta is key.
Use a sharp cheese grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties with additives.

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Top with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright touch and a splash of color that complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair the casserole with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the heaviness, or warm garlic bread for an indulgent, classic combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a charming portion-controlled meal, or layer it in a large baking dish right on the table for a rustic family-style dinner everyone can dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you keep the cheesy goodness intact for another meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully—cool it completely, then cover tightly with foil or use freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven to retain moisture and melt the cheese evenly. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help refresh the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work great; just make sure they are partially cooked or small enough to fully cook during the baking time.

What type of pasta is best for this casserole?

Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds up well in the casserole and absorbs sauce nicely without getting mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the pasta and meatballs with gluten-free versions, and check that your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh when you’re ready.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage meatballs to give it a kick if you like heat.

Final Thoughts

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is truly a game-changer when you want a hassle-free, comforting meal that delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the busy week ahead, this recipe makes the whole process easy and enjoyable. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite dinner classic!

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Print Recipe

Discover a quick and easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting one-dish meal combines savory frozen meatballs, rich marinara sauce, tender uncooked pasta, and creamy cheeses baked together into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that is family-friendly and hassle-free.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Adaptable (Gluten-Free with substitutions)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (20 oz) package frozen meatballs
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 cups water or broth

Optional Variations

1 cup chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms (for vegetable boost)
Use provolone or feta cheese instead of mozzarella (cheese twist)
Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to add spice
Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles (low-carb option)
Use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef for leaner protein

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
Combine Ingredients: In the casserole dish, evenly layer the uncooked pasta and frozen meatballs. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the mixture. Add water or broth to just cover the pasta to ensure proper cooking.
Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a cheesy layer that will melt and bubble while baking.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and make serving easier. Garnish or serve with desired sides.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs to save time without compromising flavor.
Allow the casserole to rest after baking for sauce thickening and flavor melding.
Cover the dish during baking to retain moisture and ensure pasta cooks evenly.
Adjust liquid carefully: enough to cook pasta without making the casserole soupy.
Grate cheese fresh for best melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: dump and bake, meatball casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, one dish, casserole, family-friendly