Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a tasty combination of meatballs, pasta, and cheese, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2: In a casserole dish, combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to mix.
- Step 3: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite pasta shape or whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning when mixing the sauce and pasta.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra cheese on top for a richer, gooier casserole.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before following the baking instructions.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs will work well. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before baking?
No, the pasta cooks in the sauce and water during baking, making this recipe quick and easy without the extra step of boiling pasta beforehand.
PrintDump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
A simple and hearty Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole that combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and sauce baked together for an effortless and comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires minimal prep and delivers cheesy, bubbly goodness right out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta until well combined.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: If desired, garnish the finished casserole with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs saves prep time and works well in this no-boil pasta dish.
- Make sure the casserole dish is tightly covered during the initial baking to properly cook the pasta in the sauce and water.
- You can substitute pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni with other sturdy short pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though the pasta may absorb more sauce over time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the sauce before baking.
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, baked pasta, one dish meal, frozen meatballs recipe, cheesy meatball bake
