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Create a Cozy Dinner with This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole 5 Steps Easy Delicious

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. This simple, one-pan dish combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep work and hands-off baking, this casserole is the perfect solution for those nights when you need a quick and easy dinner on the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound frozen meatballs
  • 1 can (24 ounce) pasta sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cup uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. 2. In a large baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.

3. 3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

4. 4. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. 5. Optionally, garnish the casserole with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole hot and fresh!

Notes

Choose the right pasta: Opt for a sturdy, short-cut pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold up to the baking process without getting mushy.

Avoid overcooking the meatballs: Since the meatballs are frozen, they’ll cook through during the baking time. Resist the urge to brown them beforehand, as this can lead to dry, tough meatballs.

Get the cheese melt just right: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to achieve a beautifully melted, bubbly cheese topping.

Serve with complementary sides: This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner