Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – Page 2

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this easy casserole:

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix well.

Add the uncooked pasta to the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta, ensuring all the pasta is covered.
Scatter the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce. They don’t need to be thawed; they will cook right in the oven.

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the pasta is tender.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly in the sauce.
Use Frozen Meatballs: The convenience of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs makes this recipe a breeze. You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer, but make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, you need enough liquid to ensure it cooks through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more water or broth.
Cheese It Up: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for an extra gooey casserole.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of this casserole by letting it cool completely and placing them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If the casserole seems dry, add a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of water before reheating.

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment for scooping up all that saucy goodness.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.