Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically makes itself, the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is going to become your new best friend. This dish brings together frozen meatballs, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce in one easy casserole dish, making weeknight dinners or casual gatherings a breeze to pull off. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a deliciously cheesy finish, this casserole will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and have everyone asking for seconds before it even hits the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of comforting flavor and perfect texture. From the meaty punch of frozen meatballs to the creamy melt of cheese, every element is essential.

• Frozen meatballs: Convenient and flavorful, these are the protein star that keeps the casserole satisfying without extra fuss.
• Pasta sauce (24 ounces): Use your favorite jarred marinara or homemade sauce for a bright, tangy base.
• Water (1 cup): This helps the pasta cook perfectly while baking and keeps everything moist and saucy.
• Uncooked pasta (2 cups): Penne or rigatoni work great here, offering sturdy tubes that soak up delicious sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully to create gooey, stretchy goodness on top.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, sharp contrast that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the casserole and adds a pop of color before serving.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly, allowing the pasta and meatballs to soften just right while encouraging the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients

Next, grab a roomy casserole dish and toss in the frozen meatballs, your chosen pasta sauce, water, and the uncooked pasta. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce and evenly combined with the meatballs. This step is where simplicity shines—no boiling pasta beforehand means less cleanup and a juicier final dish.

Step 3: Bake Covered for 40 Minutes

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Baking the casserole covered traps steam, which helps cook the pasta perfectly while warming the meatballs through. Around 40 minutes is the sweet spot when the pasta has softened but still holds a pleasant bite.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Continue Baking

After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across the top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbly blanket that’s utterly irresistible and makes the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole an unforgettable meal.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once out of the oven, let it cool just for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous note that brightens every bite. Serve your casserole warm, straight from the pan for maximum comfort and flavor.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley aren’t just pretty additions—they add zest and a fresh aroma that beautifully contrast the rich, cheesy sauce. For a little extra kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil also works wonders.

Side Dishes

The Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a winner, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins—perfect for dinner parties or a personalized touch. Another idea is layering the casserole over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritious pop of green right on the plate. No matter how you serve it, this casserole’s comfort factor will shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out. When you’re ready to eat, it reheats wonderfully while retaining all the flavors you love.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a charm. After baking it as directed (including cheese), let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single portions on medium power, but the oven gives you the best melted cheesy texture and evenly warmed pasta.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work fantastic in this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole and add a personal touch if you have the time. Just be sure they are fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their tube shapes trap sauce and ensure every bite is flavorful, but any sturdy pasta like ziti or rotini will also do the trick.

Do I need to thaw the frozen meatballs first?

Nope! One of the beauties of this recipe is that it starts with frozen meatballs straight from the freezer—making prep super quick and easy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheeses. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before baking also adds a lovely cheesy flavor.

Is this casserole very spicy?

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is mild and kid-friendly but can easily be amped up with crushed red pepper or spicy sausage meatballs if you prefer a little heat.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that combine ease and flavor in one satisfying dish, the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a must-try. It’s perfect for hectic nights when you want comforting, homemade food without the hassle. Give this recipe a spin, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation—happy cooking!

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