If you’re searching for a no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is your new best friend. This dish is an effortless one-pan wonder that combines hearty frozen meatballs, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce into a bubbling, cheesy casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a perfect weeknight meal when you want comforting flavors without the fuss, and it’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone to the table.

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, yet they remain simple and pantry-friendly. From the savory meatballs to the gooey cheeses, each one brings something special to the dish.

Frozen meatballs: Using frozen meatballs saves time and ensures tender, flavorful bites throughout the casserole.
Pasta sauce (24 ounces): A rich, well-seasoned tomato sauce is the heart of this dish, soaking into the pasta and meatballs to bring everything together.
Water (1 cup): This keeps the pasta moist while it cooks inside the casserole, eliminating the need to pre-boil.
Uncooked pasta (2 cups): Penne or rigatoni work best since they hold sauce and provide satisfying texture.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to create a stretchy, creamy topping that everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella’s milder flavor.
Fresh basil or parsley: A fresh herb garnish to brighten the dish with hints of green and a pop of color.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly, giving the pasta enough time to soften and the meatballs to heat through without drying out.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Your Casserole Dish

Grab a large casserole dish and mix together the frozen meatballs, your favorite pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. There’s no need to thaw the meatballs or cook the pasta beforehand — the sauce and water create the perfect environment for everything to cook together seamlessly.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for about 40 minutes. This covered baking steams the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything cooks through evenly while melding the flavors.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After the initial baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses all over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that adds both creamy texture and irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese looks perfectly melted and bubbling, pull the casserole from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a splash of color and a fresh herbal note before serving hot—this final flourish makes the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole truly shine.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add vibrant color but also lend a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving will deepen that savory hit and create a perfectly finished look.

Side Dishes

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing balance. Think fresh arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or buttered broccoli — they cut through the richness beautifully while keeping the meal feeling light enough.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing family dinner, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish to the table for that casual, cozy vibe. If you want to get fancy, scoop individual portions onto plates and drizzle with a bit of extra sauce or a few grated cheese curls and sprinkle with microgreens. It’s comfort food elevated!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the pasta absorbs the sauce overnight, you might want to add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to keep it moist and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to prep this casserole ahead of time or save portions for later, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time and keeping it covered until cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover casserole portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option but be sure to cover and stir occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this casserole and can add a personalized touch. Just be sure they’re partially cooked before adding, so they fully cook with the pasta during baking.

What type of pasta works best in the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole?

Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because their tubular shapes hold the sauce nicely and maintain texture well during baking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute meatballs for plant-based or vegetarian meatballs and use a veggie pasta sauce to keep this one-pot meal equally satisfying.

Do I need to thaw the frozen meatballs before baking?

Nope! One of the beauties of the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is that you can toss everything in frozen. The slow baking in sauce and water cooks the meatballs perfectly without extra prep.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce or sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top before adding the cheese for a welcome kick that balances the richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the ease and comforting flavor of a Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole to brighten up your dinner routine. With minimal prep and maximum satisfaction, this dish is a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen!

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, delicious one-dish meal featuring frozen meatballs baked with pasta, pasta sauce, and cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, comforting dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.

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

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once your casserole is assembled.
Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, add the frozen meatballs, pour in the pasta sauce and water, then stir in the uncooked pasta to distribute everything evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat thoroughly.
Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then return the casserole to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

Use penne or rigatoni for best results as they hold sauce well.
Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during the first bake to steam the pasta properly.
Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the mix for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
This dish is easily doubled for larger families or gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American