Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a deliciously simple one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, and melty cheeses, this casserole bakes all in one dish for an effortless, hearty dinner. With Italian seasoning and optional fresh parsley garnish, it’s a comforting dish that’s both kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked pasta (penne or ziti)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 (14 oz) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Add Meatballs: Evenly place the frozen fully cooked meatballs on top of the pasta mixture without thawing them.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Stir and Add Cheese: Remove the foil, gently stir the casserole to evenly distribute the meatballs and sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the pasta is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- No need to thaw the meatballs before baking—they cook perfectly frozen.
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences; just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers before baking.
