If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, a Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the answer. With just a few ingredients, no pre-cooking required, and minimal cleanup, this family-friendly dish delivers all the flavors of Italian comfort food with half the effort. Simply layer, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It
- No fuss prep: No need to boil pasta or fry meatballs ahead of time.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Crowd-pleaser: A cheesy, saucy, filling dish that appeals to all ages.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 bag (about 24 oz) frozen meatballs
The protein base of the casserole. Using frozen saves prep time, while still delivering plenty of flavor. - 3–4 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work well)
Provides bulk and soaks up the sauce while baking. - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
Coats the pasta and meatballs in rich tomato flavor. - 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Helps cook the pasta directly in the oven. - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into gooey layers of cheesiness. - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds sharp, nutty depth to balance the richness. - 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (optional)
Enhances the flavors with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. - Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
Adds color and freshness just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Base
Add the uncooked pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and water (or broth) directly into the baking dish. Stir until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian meatballs.
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini before baking.
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
- Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s hearty, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying on the table without fuss. With simple pantry staples and freezer-friendly meatballs, this recipe will quickly become a go-to family favorite.