If you’ve ever wished for a meal that combines hearty comfort, incredible flavor, and effortless preparation, then this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender pasta, savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all coming together in one simple baking dish. This dish not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also delivers a satisfying feast that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to crowd-pleaser in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role to ensure your casserole bursts with delicious flavors and comforting textures. From the meaty goodness of the frozen meatballs to the creamy melt of mozzarella cheese, every element works in harmony to create that perfect baked pasta dish.
- Frozen fully-cooked meatballs (16 oz): Convenient and flavorful, they save prep time while adding hearty protein.
- Uncooked penne pasta (12 oz): The perfect pasta shape to hold sauce and cheese with every bite.
- Marinara sauce (3 cups): A rich, tangy base that infuses the casserole with classic Italian flavor.
- Water (3 cups): Helps the pasta cook evenly in the sauce during baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Creates a luscious, bubbling cheesy top layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty depth that complements the mozzarella.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to grease the dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that brings herbs like oregano and basil to the forefront.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Optional fresh basil: Brightens the dish with a fresh, peppery aroma when garnished on top.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to keep everything from sticking and to add a subtle layer of flavor to the bottom of your casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, pour in the uncooked penne pasta and scatter the frozen fully-cooked meatballs evenly. Add the marinara sauce and water, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, which is key to even cooking.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake for 35 minutes. This step cooks the pasta perfectly right in the sauce while warming those meatballs through to juicy tenderness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and stir the casserole gently. Now it’s time for the best part: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish back into the oven, uncovered, and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your meatball casserole rest for five minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up just a bit. For a fresh, herby finish, sprinkle chopped basil on top if you like.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a flavor booster that lifts the entire dish with its bright aroma. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serving this casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread makes for a well-rounded meal that covers freshness, crunch, and hearty satisfaction. Roasted vegetables also complement this dish beautifully without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve portions in individual ramekins to impress your guests. You might also top the casserole with sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes before baking to add color and texture that will wow your family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. Your leftovers will stay delicious for up to three days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Freezing
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole without the cheese topping, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake covered until heated through, then add cheese and finish baking as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly. This method keeps the pasta tender and the cheese perfectly melted, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will add a homemade touch. Just make sure they are cooked through before combining in the casserole to ensure even baking.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and fit perfectly in a casserole dish.
Is it okay to add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can make the dish even more nutritious and colorful. Just be sure to chop them small so they cook through during baking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try using spicy meatballs or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. A dash of hot sauce stirred into the marinara also works wonders for a fiery kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy to keep the pasta texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you want something warm, hearty, and oh-so-delicious with minimal effort. Once you experience how simple it is to mix up the ingredients, pop the dish in the oven, and come back to an incredible meal, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner. Give it a go and make it a staple in your home — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, it’s baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Meatballs & Pasta
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) box uncooked penne pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- Optional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix together the uncooked penne pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
- Initial baking: Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld without drying out.
- Add cheese and continue baking: Remove the foil carefully, stir the casserole gently, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the pasta is tender.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any short pasta such as rigatoni or ziti for similar results.
- For a spicier flavor, use spicy meatballs or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding dollops of ricotta or layering provolone slices before the final bake.
