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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 casserole (about 300g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, meatballs, one dish meal
