Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Imagine a cozy, comforting meal that requires almost no prep time—just a simple “dump and bake” approach, and you’re good to go. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the real deal. This dish combines all your favorite flavors—juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned pasta—all baked together in one pan. It’s as easy as it sounds and as satisfying as it gets. This casserole is bound to become a weeknight favorite that you can pull together in no time.

Why You’ll Love Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the ease and comfort it brings. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy night, or you’re in the mood for something warm and cheesy, this casserole delivers.

• Effortless: You literally dump everything in a dish and pop it in the oven. No complicated steps, no fuss. It’s the definition of a stress-free meal.
• Family-Friendly: The whole family will love it—meatballs, cheese, and pasta are basically the perfect trifecta. Kids and adults alike will be begging for seconds!
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean, and that’s always a win. This casserole is a dream when you want to keep things simple but still deliver a flavorful, hearty meal.
• Customizable: Want to add some veggies? Throw in a handful of spinach or bell peppers. You can easily tweak this to match your tastes or what you have in your pantry.
• Comfort Food Perfection: This dish is a hug in a casserole dish. The combination of cheesy pasta and tender meatballs will make you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to pull together this easy and delicious casserole:

Meatballs

• Frozen Meatballs: The star of the show. You can go for your favorite brand of frozen meatballs, or if you’re feeling adventurous, use homemade ones. Either way, they’ll bake up perfectly in the casserole.

Pasta

• Uncooked Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Ziti): The pasta soaks up all the wonderful sauce and cheese, creating a rich, satisfying base. No need to pre-cook it—it will cook right along with the casserole!

Tomato Sauce

• Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing with meatballs. The rich, tangy marinara sauce infuses everything with its delicious flavor and gives the casserole a lovely, saucy texture.

Cheese

• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes everything better. It’s the perfect top layer for that irresistible cheesy pull when you dig in.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a little extra flavor and that golden, crispy finish. Parmesan on top of the mozzarella makes the casserole extra delicious.

Seasonings

• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These two are essential for adding depth to the sauce and the meatballs.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning ties everything together, making sure you get that comforting, herby flavor.

Broth

• Chicken Broth: A splash of chicken broth helps cook the pasta and create a nice, saucy consistency. It’s the secret ingredient to making everything come together!

Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to create this simple, tasty casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.

2. Assemble the Casserole

In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Give everything a quick stir to mix it all together.

3. Add the Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, making sure the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. This helps the pasta cook perfectly in the oven.

4. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. You can add as much or as little cheese as you like, depending on how cheesy you want it!

5. Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Then dig in and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to take your meal to the next level:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with some buttery, garlicky bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness from the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add some extra color and nutrition to the plate.
• Simple Side of Fruit: A fresh fruit bowl or even apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon can be a light and sweet addition.

Additional Tips

Here are a few ways to make this casserole even better:

• Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, try adding some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They’ll blend in with the pasta and add extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce for a little kick.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure your meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.
• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

A1: Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work great too, but since they’re already cooked, you can skip the baking time for them and just let them heat through.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A2: Yes, you can use any short pasta like rotini, ziti, or fusilli. Just make sure it’s uncooked so it can absorb all the liquid and cook in the casserole.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?

A4: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A5: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A6: Yes! You can swap out the mozzarella for provolone or even use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.

Q7: Can I add more sauce to the casserole?

A7: Of course! If you prefer a saucier casserole, feel free to add extra marinara sauce or a bit of tomato paste.

Q8: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

A8: This casserole will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q9: Can I make this recipe without the pasta?

A9: Yes! You can make a meatball and cheese bake by omitting the pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q10: Can I use turkey meatballs instead of beef?

A10: Absolutely! Turkey meatballs are a lighter option and work perfectly in this casserole.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy, Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the answer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up with a side of salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

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