Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

 

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is one of those incredibly easy, crowd-pleasing meals that everyone loves. This simple dish combines hearty meatballs, gooey cheese, flavorful pasta, and marinara sauce into one satisfying casserole. The best part? It requires minimal prep and effort! Just "dump" all the ingredients into a baking dish, and then bake it until bubbly, melty, and golden.

Here’s how to make this family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something quick and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

24 oz frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, chicken, or vegetarian)

1 lb uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)

2 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

1 cup additional mozzarella cheese, shredded

Freshly cracked black pepper

Extra Italian seasoning

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish or any similar-sized casserole dish

Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Large mixing bowl

Spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. This will help prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Pasta

Since this casserole is a “dump and bake” dish, it requires uncooked pasta to cook in the casserole. However, to ensure the pasta cooks properly, it’s important to use the right ratio of pasta to liquid.

In the baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta with 2 ½ cups marinara sauce. Mix the sauce and pasta well so that every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. You want to make sure the sauce fully envelops the pasta, which will help it cook evenly during baking.

Tip: If you prefer your pasta a little firmer, you can reduce the amount of sauce by about half. Otherwise, stick to the full amount for a creamier, saucier casserole.

3. Add the Meatballs

Next, it’s time to add the frozen meatballs. These can go in directly from the freezer, and you don’t need to thaw them first. Scatter them evenly over the pasta and sauce mixture in the baking dish.

Using frozen meatballs is one of the best time-savers in this recipe. They will cook while the casserole bakes, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and creating a delicious contrast of textures between the tender meatballs and the pasta.

Tip: You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. If you do, ensure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the casserole.

4. Season the Casserole

In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

This adds flavor without overwhelming the dish. The garlic powder gives a savory note, while the Italian seasoning provides an herbal, aromatic depth. If you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.

Tip: You can customize the seasoning mix to your liking. Fresh garlic, fresh herbs, or a bit of dried oregano can also be good options!

5. Add the Cheese

The cheese is where this casserole gets really indulgent and comforting. First, sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, so you’ll get that wonderfully gooey texture when it bakes.

Then, sprinkle 1 cup grated Parmesan over the mozzarella. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the mozzarella and adds depth to the casserole.

Tip: If you love extra cheesy dishes, add a cup more of mozzarella on top before baking. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, bubbly crust.

6. Drizzle with Olive Oil

To ensure the top of the casserole crisps up nicely and the cheese doesn’t dry out, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. This will add richness and flavor, making the casserole golden brown and delicious.

7. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help trap steam inside the casserole, allowing the pasta to cook and the meatballs to heat up thoroughly.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Tip: If the cheese is not browning to your liking, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool and set. This will help the casserole firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.

Before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Different Types of Meatballs:

You can use any kind of frozen meatballs for this recipe—beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian. If you're using vegetarian meatballs, make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

If you’re using homemade meatballs, you can either cook them in advance or add them frozen (they’ll cook in the casserole as long as they’re not raw).

Cheese Variations:

If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or mix in a bit of cheddar, provolone, or fontina for extra flavor.

You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for a Mediterranean twist!

Adding Vegetables:

For a more balanced meal, you can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Simply layer them in with the pasta and sauce before baking.

You can even add mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free:

If you need a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free pasta and check that your meatballs are gluten-free as well.

Make It Creamy:

If you want a creamy twist, you can add a cup of ricotta cheese or cream cheese to the sauce mixture before layering the pasta. This creates a creamier texture and a richer flavor.

Meal Prep and Freezing:

This casserole makes an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

For freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, you’ll need to add about 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time.

Pairing Suggestions

While the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, you can pair it with a few simple sides to round out the meal.

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the cheesy casserole perfectly. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. You can use arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce.

Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts are great vegetable sides that add color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Prep: The “dump and bake” approach makes this recipe incredibly simple and quick to prepare.

Versatility: You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Comfort Food: With gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and pasta, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this meal, making it perfect for families with kids.

Budget-Friendly: Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples keeps the cost low, making this a great budget-friendly dinner option.

Conclusion

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines all the best comfort food elements in one pan. The ease of preparation, combined with the classic flavors of marinara, meatballs, and cheese, makes this casserole an ideal go-to recipe for busy nights, potlucks, or even meal prep. With so many ways to customize it, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite

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