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Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

★★★★★ 4.6 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Touba
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights. By combining frozen meatballs, pasta, sauce, and cheese in one dish, it allows you to prepare a delicious Italian-inspired casserole quickly and easily without pre-cooking ingredients. The casserole is baked until the pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly, offering a comforting and hearty dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 1 pound frozen meatballs
  • 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
  • 1 cup water

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the casserole is assembled.
  2. Combine ingredients in a baking dish: In a large baking dish, pour in the pasta sauce and water. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Spread the frozen meatballs evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  3. Bake uncovered: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 60 minutes. During baking, the water and sauce will cook and hydrate the pasta while heating the meatballs through.
  4. Add cheeses: Remove the casserole from the oven after 60 minutes and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  5. Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your easy, delicious meatball casserole!

Notes

  • You can substitute homemade or store-bought meatballs for the frozen variety.
  • Any short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti works well in this recipe.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water to 3/4 cup.
  • Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid to ensure even cooking.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake recipe, easy pasta bake, baked meatballs, one dish dinner

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Find it online: https://toubaeasts.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe/