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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a cheesy layer that will melt and bubble while baking.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole/