Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious dinner idea. Featuring frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate comfort food that can be easily customized with different meatballs, pasta, and vegetables. A family-friendly, cheesy dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In the baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen meatballs with fresh ones, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Feel free to use any short pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- For a spicier casserole, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
