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Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-pan meal combining frozen meatballs, pasta, and rich tomato sauce baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. Ideal for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole requires minimal prep and delivers comforting flavors in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs & Sauce

  • 1 pound frozen meatballs
  • 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce

Pasta & Cheese

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking while you assemble the casserole.
  2. Layer Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, pour the uncooked pasta evenly. Top the pasta with the frozen meatballs, spreading them out evenly over the pasta layer.
  3. Add Sauce and Water: Pour the entire can of pasta sauce over the meatballs and pasta. Then, add 1 cup of water to the dish to ensure the pasta cooks properly and absorbs moisture during baking.
  4. Mix Slightly: Gently stir or push the ingredients slightly to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce and water mixture but be careful not to displace the meatballs dramatically.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use any type of frozen meatballs such as beef, chicken, or turkey depending on preference.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if using a deeper casserole dish.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure the meatballs are gluten-free.

Keywords: meatball casserole, easy dinner, baked meatballs, dump and bake, pasta casserole, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe/