Effortless Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Families

Weeknight dinners demand a hero, and this dump and bake meatball casserole recipe swoops in to save the day with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese combine in one magical dish that practically cooks itself.

Toss ingredients into a baking dish without complicated prep or endless chopping.

No complicated techniques or time-consuming steps stand between you and a delicious meal.

The sauce bubbles and caramelizes, creating a rich, comforting blend that makes everyone at the table happy.

Tender pasta and succulent meatballs merge into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Dive into this simplified culinary magic and watch dinner become the highlight of your evening.

Serving This Meal for Weeknight Dinners Made

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal that'll make everyone feel loved and satisfied. Pair with a simple green salad to add freshness and balance.
• Italian-Style Comfort Plate: Top the casserole with extra grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for an authentic Italian restaurant experience. A sprinkle of herbs elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Bread Companion Delight: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crispy toasted Italian rolls to soak up the delicious marinara sauce. Crusty bread provides an amazing texture contrast to the soft pasta and melted cheese.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Cover tightly with foil and bake when ready to serve, making meal planning a breeze.

Best Practices for Saving Extra Portions

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap, storing for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Finesse: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to refresh moisture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Frozen Meatballs: Select pre-cooked, high-quality meatballs that will provide hearty texture and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Beef, Turkey, or Chicken Options: Choose based on personal preference or dietary needs for versatile protein.

• Uncooked Pasta: Pick sturdy shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce well and cook perfectly in the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: Select a robust, flavorful jarred sauce with balanced tomato sweetness and herbal undertones.
• Water, Beef Broth: Enhances moisture and adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.

• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates aromatic base with subtle, concentrated savory notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those wanting a gentle spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall dish seasoning.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty topping that creates irresistible golden crust.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright color and fresh herbal finish.

Tools That Help Dump-and-Bake Go Smoothly

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfectly sized for this hearty casserole.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to trap moisture.
• Cooking spray or butter: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the pan.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like garlic and onion powder.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together in the baking dish.
• Cheese grater (optional): If using fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese.

How to Assemble This Effortless Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Kitchen

Setup Kitchen staging for a warm, inviting meal preparation experience.

• One-Dish Wonder

Combine frozen meatballs, pasta, and sauce directly in a baking dish without pre-cooking anything.

• Seasoning Symphony

Sprinkle Italian herbs and spices across the mixture for deep, rich flavor profiles.

• Oven Transformation

Place the dish in a hot oven and let the magic happen while ingredients meld together.

• Cheesy Finale

Top the bubbling casserole with melted mozzarella for a creamy, golden finish.

• Fresh Finishing Touch

Scatter fresh herbs over the dish to brighten the entire meal with vibrant color and aroma.

Tips to Add Veggies or More Cheese Layers

• Flavor Boost Tricks: Swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce to add a spicy kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace frozen meatballs with homemade turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner protein option that keeps the meal exciting.
• Veggie Sneaky Strategy: Mix in fresh spinach, zucchini chunks, or bell pepper strips during the first baking stage to increase nutritional value without changing the recipe's core simplicity.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese blends like a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone to create a more complex and rich melted cheese topping that transforms the casserole's flavor dimensions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove plastic, replace with foil, and bake as directed – perfect for busy weeknight meal planning.

Effortless Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors without complex preparation. Quick weeknight dinner combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese you’ll devour eagerly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Crank the oven to a blazing 425°F and lightly mist the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Ingredient Assembly: Combine frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, garlic and onion powders, and red pepper flakes directly in the baking dish, ensuring a thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
3. Initial Baking: Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, creating a sealed environment that allows flavors to meld and pasta to cook evenly.
4. Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, gently stir the mixture to prevent sticking, then generously blanket the surface with mozzarella cheese, returning to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal aroma before serving hot.

Notes

• Precise Oven Prep: Heat exactly to 425°F and spray baking dish to prevent stubborn food sticking.
• Strategic Liquid Ratio: Add water carefully to ensure pasta cooks perfectly without becoming dry or soggy.
• Foil Technique: Cover completely during initial cooking to trap moisture and create intense flavor infusion.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Watch carefully during final 10-15 minutes to achieve golden, bubbly cheese topping without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg