Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly dinner with minimal prep and maximum comfort, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is your go-to recipe. No need for multiple pans or complicated steps: just toss everything into your baking dish, let the oven do the magic, and enjoy a bubbling, cheesy, Italian-inspired meal that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
This recipe excels in both flavor and simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a reliable comfort food fix without the fuss.
Effortless Comfort: The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Advantage
What sets this casserole apart is the complete lack of stovetop work. Frozen or ready-made meatballs, uncooked pasta, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese all bake together for a one-dish wonder. The combination of tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a creamy, cheesy top layer creates the kind of stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Assembly Made Easy
Start with a large baking dish and layer uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, broth or water, and meatballs. Use a handy Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to line your dish for hassle-free cleanup – a real game-changer for this kind of ooey-gooey bake. No pre-cooking or browning is required: simply combine, cover with foil, and bake.
If you want fast, consistent veggie prep (say, adding onions or bell peppers for extra flavor), opt for a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to effortlessly dice your extras, keeping everything uniform and speeding up prep.
Cheese Topping and Golden Bake
Once the casserole has baked and the pasta is almost tender, scatter a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Return it to the oven uncovered for a bubbly, golden finish.
Pull the casserole out using safe, heat-resistant protection—something like the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set—to avoid any accidental burns as you lift the steaming, cheesy masterpiece.
Serving & Storage Ideas
Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes so it’s easy to slice. Pair each serving with a fresh salad, and keep leftovers fresh for lunches in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. This dish reheats beautifully, making it just as crave-worthy the next day.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 6–8 hungry diners. Each serving includes hearty protein from the meatballs, energy-boosting carbs from the pasta, and calcium-rich cheese. Expect around 400–450 calories per serving, depending on the brands of sauce and meatballs you use.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recap
For ultimate weeknight ease and universal appeal, this dump and bake casserole is unmatched. With only a handful of ingredients and practically no prep, you’ll get a bubbling, glorious classic loaded with flavor—and very little cleanup required.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Line a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- In the prepared dish, add dry pasta, marinara sauce, broth, meatballs, optional diced vegetables, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven (use the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for safety). Uncover, stir the mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top.
- Return the casserole, uncovered, to the oven. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and the pasta is cooked through.
- Let the casserole set for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is effortless with this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole—a guaranteed hit for any dinner table!