Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort? This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect solution! It’s a delicious combination of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and melted cheese, all baked together in one dish. The best part? There’s no need to cook the pasta or meatballs ahead of time. Simply dump everything into a baking dish, toss it in the oven, and let it cook while you relax. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to serve a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.

this Recipe

What is a Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole?

A Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, no-prep meal that requires just a handful of ingredients and very little hands-on time. You “dump” uncooked pasta, frozen or pre-made meatballs, sauce, and cheese into a baking dish, and the oven does the rest of the work. The pasta cooks in the sauce, the meatballs heat through, and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both comforting and easy, with all the flavors of a classic Italian pasta dish.

Ingredients List for Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Before we begin, gather the following ingredients for this simple, tasty casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (12-16 oz) package frozen or pre-cooked meatballs (Italian-style or homemade meatballs)
• 2 ½ cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta (you can also use ziti or another short pasta)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce of your choice)
• 3 cups water (or low-sodium chicken or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make some adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs.

• Meatball Options: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs, homemade beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs, or even vegetarian meatballs for a meat-free version.
• Pasta Substitutes: You can swap out the penne or rotini for any other short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or cavatappi.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure your meatballs and sauce are gluten-free.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic, you can use other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. A mix of cheeses adds a richer taste.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just mix them in with the pasta and sauce before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making this super easy and delicious Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Pasta, Meatballs, and Sauce

In the greased baking dish, dump the uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce. Add 3 cups of water (or broth) to the mixture, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with sauce and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender. The liquid will absorb into the pasta as it cooks, so make sure to keep the dish covered to trap the moisture and steam.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Again

After 35-40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and give the pasta and meatballs a quick stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan (if using) over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy!

How to Cook Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the process:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and water in the baking dish. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until the pasta is tender.
4. Uncover, add shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid for perfect results:

• Not covering the dish: Be sure to tightly cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and ensures that the pasta cooks properly.
• Too much or too little liquid: The ratio of pasta to liquid is important for the pasta to cook properly. Stick to about 3 cups of water or broth for 2 ½ cups of pasta. If the casserole seems dry halfway through, you can add a little more liquid.
• Not stirring the cheese in: When you add the cheese topping, you can give the casserole a quick stir to ensure the cheese melts evenly and integrates into the dish rather than sitting only on top.
• Using fresh meatballs: Frozen or pre-cooked meatballs work best in this recipe because they won’t need extra cooking time. If using raw meatballs, be sure to cook them separately beforehand.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas on how to serve and present your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole to make it even more appealing.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With a Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus to complement the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, parsley, or oregano adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Add extra cheese: Serve with a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add more cheese if they like.
• Serve in individual bowls: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into individual bowls and top each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use homemade meatballs in this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use homemade meatballs as long as they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. If they’re frozen, there’s no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the dish.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or farfalle will work. Just make sure to adjust the liquid ratio if needed (about 3 cups of liquid for 2 ½ cups of pasta).

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the nutritional

value. Just mix them in with the pasta and sauce before baking.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate in easy, comforting, and family-friendly meals. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious, hearty casserole on the table in under an hour. The tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and cheesy topping make this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how simple it is to make and how tasty the results are!

Print