Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
+6 photos

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This super easy dump and bake meatball casserole made with frozen meatballs and prepared marinara sauce comes together in minutes and then just needs to bake in the oven. Perfect family staple on weeknights.

Ingredients

  • dry rotini pasta

    3 1/2 cups

    12 oz
  • water
    2 ½ c
  • jar marinara sauce
    1
  • bag frozen meatballs

    thawed

    1
  • chopped bell pepper

    1 medium

    1 c
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • shredded mozzarella cheese

    divided, 8 ounces

    2 c
  • grated parmesan cheese
    ¼ c
  • chopped fresh herbs

    such as parsley or basil, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Combine pasta, water, marinara sauce, meatballs, peppers, and salt in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until pasta is al dente, 30 to 35 minutes.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Remove the foil and stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese.  Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10 minutes more.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Serve garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

    Step 6
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
+6

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

362 cal

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About this Recipe

Tired of searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple? Our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is your ultimate stress-free solution, delivering a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its sheer simplicity and convenience. By combining thawed frozen meatballs, dry rotini pasta, and a jar of prepared marinara sauce all in one dish, you bypass multiple steps, making dinner effortless. It’s a truly “dump and bake” approach that frees you from pre-boiling pasta or browning meatballs, getting a delicious meal on the table fast.

Imagine tender rotini pasta nestled among savory meatballs, each bite coated in a rich marinara sauce. It's all generously blanketed under a melty layer of mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible, bubbly topping. This casserole is all about warmth and familiar, comforting flavors, perfect for winding down after a busy day. Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed family favorite that tastes like it took hours but only requires minutes of active prep.

Customizing this casserole is easy to suit your family's preferences. While bell pepper adds a nice crunch and color, you could swap it for other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms or zucchini. Feel free to experiment with your cheese blend; a mix of provolone or fontina with the mozzarella could add another layer of flavor. Don't forget to finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright, aromatic touch right before serving.

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a complete meal on its own, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread to round out a wholesome and incredibly satisfying family dinner.

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