Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple and hearty one-dish meal featuring frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and a flavorful marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole requires minimal prep and is baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Pasta
- 500 grams (1 lb) frozen meatballs
- 250 grams (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 500 grams (about 4 cups) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed
Cheeses and Garnish
- 300 grams (about 3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Arrange meatballs. Spread the frozen meatballs evenly in a large 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring they are distributed well for even cooking.
- Add pasta. Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
- Prepare and pour sauce. In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed to thin the sauce slightly, then pour this mixture over the meatballs and pasta, coating everything evenly.
- Cover and bake. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the pasta and warm the meatballs.
- Add cheese and continue baking. Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta you prefer; smaller shapes like penne or rotini work well.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce mixture.
- Make sure to add enough water to the sauce to ensure the pasta cooks properly in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
