Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, perfectly cooked pasta swimming in rich marinara sauce, studded with juicy Italian-style meatballs and topped with gooey, golden melted cheese. This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss. The best part? You literally dump everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic. Trust me, once you try this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create balanced flavors and textures, from the savory meatballs to the cheesy topping and perfectly seasoned pasta. Each item plays a crucial role in turning this casserole into a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy enough for any home cook.

• 1 lb frozen fully cooked Italian-style meatballs: These save time without sacrificing flavor and bring that classic Italian taste.
• 12 oz uncooked short pasta (penne or rotini): Perfect shapes for catching sauce, ensuring every bite is saucy and satisfying.
• 3 cups marinara sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that adds depth and moisture throughout the casserole.
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Keeps the pasta cooking perfectly tender while adding savory undertones.
• 1 cup water: Helps adjust the consistency for an ideal bake and perfectly cooked pasta.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for the gooey, bubbly, and irresistible finish.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick for even more cheesy goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the meatballs and sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor without any hassle.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in this dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to grease the pan and drizzle over the top for richness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten each serving.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick to their casserole.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Grease the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray to make sure your casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve later. This simple step sets the foundation for a mess-free experience.

Step 2: Combine Pasta and Sauces

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the baking dish. Then pour in your marinara sauce, broth, and water. This mixture will cook the pasta perfectly in the oven while soaking up all those delicious flavors, so stirring everything well to combine is key for even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Base

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir until the pasta is fully coated and the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step brings the heart of Italian flavor to the dish before layering on the meatballs.

Step 4: Add the Meatballs

Arrange the frozen meatballs evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Press them down gently so they nestle into the liquid and sauce. This ensures they warm through evenly and you get a bit of sauce clinging to every bite of meatball.

Step 5: Drizzle With Olive Oil

For extra flavor and a lovely richness, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the meatballs and pasta. This small addition helps create a perfect bake with beautiful texture and adds a luscious finish when the casserole emerges from the oven.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes. This step allows the pasta to cook by absorbing the liquids while the meatballs heat through. Check the pasta at the center to make sure it’s just tender, but not mushy.

Step 7: Stir and Adjust

Carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir. If it seems a bit dry, splash in some hot water or broth and stir again. This keeps the casserole juicy and prevents it from drying out under the cheese.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. The combination of these two cheeses melts into a heavenly, bubbly crust that you’ll fall in love with all over again as it bakes.

Step 9: Final Bake Uncovered

Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. This last step gives you that crowd-pleasing cheesy finish everyone’s craving.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This time lets the sauce thicken slightly and the pasta set so your serving slices hold together beautifully. Finish it off with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances out the richness of the cheese and meatballs. For an added kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings subtle heat and a touch of excitement without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread. These sides add texture and freshness that complement the savory, cheesy depth of your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it straight from the baking dish for a casual family dinner or portion it out onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for a dinner party look. You can even turn it into individual casserole servings using smaller ramekins for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without extra prep.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months and can be baked from frozen with a bit of extra time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the casserole feels dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain that perfect saucy texture. A quick broil at the end revives the cheesy topping nicely.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can bake your own fresh meatballs ahead of time and add them to the casserole. Just be sure they are cooked through before layering them on top to ensure even heating.

What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in the liquid. Avoid delicate or very small pasta which might turn mushy.

Do I need to thaw the frozen meatballs?

No need to thaw! One of the beauties of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is that you can add the meatballs frozen, which saves time and makes it even easier to throw together.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the meatballs for your favorite vegetarian or plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken. The rest of the recipe stays the same and still tastes delicious.

Is this recipe freezer friendly after baking?

While you can freeze leftovers after baking, the texture of the cheese topping might change slightly after freezing and reheating. For best results, freeze before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a simple, satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It has all the comfort of classic Italian cooking without the fuss or multiple pots to clean. I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you want a big cozy hug on a plate. Give it a try—you might find yourself making this one over and over again!

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