If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal without the fuss, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a luscious marinara sauce all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. It’s incredibly simple to put together, yet bursting with rich, satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a no-fuss dinner to impress guests, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe shine. Each item plays an important role, from providing texture and layers of flavor to creating that irresistibly gooey cheese topping.
- Frozen fully-cooked meatballs (16 oz): Using pre-cooked meatballs saves time and keeps the flavors juicy and rich after baking.
- Uncooked penne pasta (12 oz): Penne holds the sauce wonderfully and ensures each bite has a perfect bite-sized pasta piece.
- Marinara sauce (3 cups): A classic tomato base that brings a tangy, herbaceous depth to the casserole.
- Water (3 cups): Helps the pasta cook evenly in the oven without the need to boil it beforehand.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts beautifully, creating an irresistible cheesy blanket on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty sparkle that elevates the savory profile.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to grease the baking dish for easy cleanup and to add a subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant mix that infuses the casserole with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Optional fresh basil for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps the edges brown just right for that perfect finish.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In your prepared dish, add the uncooked penne pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently until the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking and that every bite is bursting with sauce.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal your dish tightly with foil to trap steam and help the pasta cook perfectly while infusing the meatballs with the rich tomato flavors. Bake it on the middle rack for 35 minutes, letting all those ingredients meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a quick stir. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top, then return it to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma!
Step 5: Let it Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for 5 minutes to set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for a fresh, herbal accent that makes this dish shine.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese add a vibrant finish to this casserole. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can take it from delicious to unforgettable, providing subtle layers of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like zucchini or Brussels sprouts to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that zesty marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this casserole directly from the baking dish for a warm, rustic feel. If you’re entertaining, try plating individual servings in small oven-safe ramekins, topped with a basil leaf, to make each portion feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes really well! Transfer to a freezer-safe container before the final bake with cheese on top. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until everything is bubbly and warm. It’s a lifesaver for busy days!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven to keep the moisture locked in. In the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through, then remove the foil for a few minutes to refresh the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure fresh meatballs are fully cooked beforehand to keep the timing accurate and avoid undercooked bites in your casserole.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti is ideal because it holds the sauce nicely and fits perfectly in a casserole. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti as they don’t bake as evenly.
Is it possible to make this casserole spicy?
Definitely! Use spicy meatballs or add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap meatballs for plant-based or mushroom-based meatballs and make sure your marinara sauce is vegetarian-friendly. You’ll still get the same comforting vibes.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid before baking, and covering the dish tightly with foil, helps keep everything moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is hands-down one of those golden dishes that balances ease and deliciousness so perfectly. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, effortlessly pulling together a hearty, cheesy meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. If you want a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, do yourself a favor and make this casserole your go-to. I promise it won’t disappoint!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen fully-cooked meatballs with uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, it bakes all in one pan for a hassle-free dinner that’s flavorful and cheesy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package of frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) box of uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Combine ingredients in baking dish: In the greased baking dish, add the uncooked penne pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and add cheese: Carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to mix the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the pasta is tender.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the penne with other short pasta types like rigatoni or ziti.
- For a spicier version, use spicy meatballs or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Add extra cheesiness by incorporating dollops of ricotta or slices of provolone cheese before baking.
