This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate no-fuss dinner—just mix, dump, and bake! Made with frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, this hearty, family-friendly dish requires zero pre-cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
No pre-cooking required – pasta cooks right in the dish!
-
Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
-
Customizable with your favorite pasta, sauce, or cheese
-
Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
-
A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike
Ingredients Breakdown
-
Frozen Meatballs (16 oz) – The star protein; store-bought or homemade, they add rich, savory flavor with zero prep.
-
Marinara Sauce (2 cups) – Provides a flavorful, tomato-based base that ties all the ingredients together.
-
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor with minimal effort.
-
Uncooked Pasta (1 cup) – Cooks right in the sauce, absorbing flavor while keeping cleanup easy. Great options: penne, rotini, or ziti.
-
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups) – Melts into a gooey, bubbly topping that everyone loves.
-
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, optional) – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor to the cheesy top.
-
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional) – For a fresh, vibrant garnish and a pop of color.
Tips and Tricks
-
Use high-quality jarred sauce or add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or extra herbs for extra depth.
-
Don’t thaw the meatballs—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
-
Add a splash of water or broth if your sauce is especially thick.
-
For crispier cheese, broil the casserole uncovered for the last 2 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
-
Cheesy Alfredo Twist: Swap marinara for Alfredo and use Italian-style chicken meatballs.
-
Vegetarian Version: Use meatless meatballs and a veggie-forward sauce.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy arrabbiata sauce.
-
Extra Veggies: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before baking.
Pairing Suggestions
-
Side Salad: Caesar, garden, or Italian chopped salad
-
Garlic Bread: Classic pairing for soaking up sauce
-
Lemon Iced Tea or Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink
Storage Instructions
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked (assembled) casserole for up to 2 months.
-
To Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Just ensure they are fully cooked before baking since the oven time is meant for heating through, not cooking raw meat.
Advertisements
Will the pasta cook all the way in the oven?
Absolutely—as long as it’s covered during the first bake, the pasta will absorb moisture from the sauce and become perfectly tender.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use two 9×13 pans or a deep lasagna-style dish and extend the baking time slightly.
Advertisements
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole – The easiest comfort food ever! Just layer frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara, and cheese, then bake to bubbly perfection. Zero prep, maximum coziness
Ingredients
-
1 (16 oz) package frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
-
2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for topping, if desired)
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1 cup uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
-
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Advertisements
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
Frozen meatballs
-
Marinara sauce
-
Italian seasoning
-
Uncooked pasta
Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add Parmesan cheese if using for extra flavor.
5. Bake It Up
-
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a touch of brightness.
Notes
This easy dump and bake casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights, and it’s a reliable favorite for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep. Just dump, bake, and enjoy—no boiling or frying required!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements