Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish—dump and bake meatball casserole! Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a pan. I can just throw everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and in no time, I’ve got a hearty meal that the whole family loves. Perfect for those crazy evenings when you barely have time to breathe, let alone cook! The flavors meld together beautifully, and the gooey cheese on top? Wow! It’s one of those magical meals that makes my kitchen smell incredible, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze! Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your back pocket for those busy nights!
Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful casserole:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs: I love using frozen meatballs for this recipe because they save so much time! You can grab your favorite brand—just make sure they’re already cooked.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz): Go for a rich and flavorful marinara. It really brings everything together and adds that delicious Italian vibe.
- 2 cups cooked pasta: Any type of pasta you adore will work here! I usually opt for penne or rotini since they hold the sauce so well.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the gooey goodness that makes the casserole so irresistible. You can’t go wrong with a generous layer of melty mozzarella!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a little extra flavor boost, sprinkle this on top. It adds a lovely richness and salty kick that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This is my secret weapon! It adds a wonderful aromatic flair that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Prepare Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly. You want that cheese to melt just right and the flavors to blend beautifully, so don’t skip this step! While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large baking dish, it’s time to bring all those delicious ingredients together! Start by adding your frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta. Sprinkle in that tasty Italian seasoning and give everything a good stir. You want to make sure every meatball and piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. Trust me, this step is key to getting all those flavors to meld perfectly. If you want to add a little extra something, feel free to toss in some chopped veggies—bell peppers or spinach work wonders!
Step 3: Add Cheese
Now for the best part—adding the cheese! Layer that shredded mozzarella generously on top, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan. This cheesy layer is what makes the casserole ooey-gooey and adds a wonderful texture. It’ll become golden and bubbly as it bakes, creating that mouthwatering crust we all love. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!
Step 4: Bake
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible, and trust me, your family will be eagerly waiting to dig in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful dump and bake meatball casserole. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
It’s a satisfying meal that checks all the boxes for flavor and comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just dump, mix, and bake!
- Loaded with flavor from the marinara and Italian seasoning.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Versatile—switch up the pasta or add your favorite veggies!
- One pan means minimal cleanup; more time to relax!
Tips for Success
To make sure your dump and bake meatball casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, use high-quality frozen meatballs—they really make a difference in flavor. If you want a more saucy casserole, don’t hesitate to add a bit more marinara! Keep an eye on the baking time; if your cheese starts to brown too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil. Oh, and remember to let it cool for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dump and bake meatball casserole! You can swap out the pasta for your favorite shape—farfalle or even gluten-free options work great! Want to add some color and nutrients? Toss in veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or even mushrooms—yum! If you’re feeling adventurous, try different sauces like alfredo or BBQ for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover dump and bake meatball casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain that delicious cheesy texture!
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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious dump and bake meatball casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well to ensure everything is coated with sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dump and bake meatball casserole
