Get ready to fall in love with making dinner again, because this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is about to simplify your weeknights and deliver serious Italian-inspired comfort—no boiling or babysitting required! With tender pasta, juicy meatballs, zesty marinara, and bubbling layers of cheese, every bite feels like a cozy family dinner, straight from the oven. If you’re always on the lookout for a hearty, kid-friendly, all-in-one meal that’s truly as easy as it gets, trust me: this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is about to become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is its absolute simplicity—every ingredient serves a key purpose, from flavor to texture to that luscious, gooey finish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make the perfect Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe.
- Frozen fully cooked meatballs (1 bag, 24 oz): No need to thaw! These bring rich flavor and protein right from the freezer—use beef, turkey, or even plant-based varieties.
- Uncooked penne pasta (1 box, 16 oz): Holds the sauce beautifully and cooks up perfectly tender as it bakes.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The heart of any Italian bake—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade jar for a saucy, savory base.
- Water (3 cups): Essential for cooking the pasta while everything bakes together, ensuring no boiling is necessary.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic herbaceous flavor you crave in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and gives a savory, homey undertone without any chopping.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A dash of spice that brightens and balances the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Give that oozy, melty layer on top that everyone fights for.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Delivers a salty, nutty depth and the ultimate golden crown.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness if you happen to have it!
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—the high heat guarantees bubbly cheese and perfectly cooked pasta in under an hour. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish, which gives everything plenty of room to mingle and cook evenly.
Step 2: Combine All Main Ingredients
This is where the magic of the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe really happens! Toss the frozen meatballs, uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper right into the baking dish. Stir everything gently so the pasta is coated and submerged (this helps it cook evenly and prevents crunchy bits).
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture—this steam bath is what cooks the pasta to perfection, absorbs flavor, and keeps your meatballs juicy. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 minutes. No need to peek or stir, just relax!
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
After that initial bake, remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir to make sure everything is mingling nicely. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top for that iconic bubbly, golden finish. Leave the dish uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe rest for five minutes so the sauce thickens and all the flavors settle together. Add a flurry of fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and brightness—then serve straight from the dish!
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching and flavorful finish, top each portion with a shower of chopped parsley or fresh basil. If you’d like a boost of zest, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of chili flakes takes things up a notch. Little touches like these make the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole as the main attraction alongside a crisp green salad and some garlic bread or focaccia—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables pair beautifully for a touch of freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, place the steaming dish right in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. If you’re hosting, spoon servings into individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a bistro feel. Leftovers also make fantastic packed lunches—just add a simple side salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, and you’ll have delicious, hearty meals ready to go all week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it a superstar for meal prep. Simply let the baked casserole cool, portion it out, and stash in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. In a hurry? A microwave works great, too—just don’t forget to cover your dish to keep the pasta moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne holds its shape and sauce well, ziti or rotini both work beautifully in the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe. Just avoid very delicate pasta shapes, as they might overcook.
What kind of meatballs work best?
Any fully cooked, bite-sized meatballs—beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based—work here. Just make sure they’re small enough to blend in seamlessly with the pasta and sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Toss in fresh spinach, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms before baking for extra flavor, color, and nutrition. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it yours.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Be sure the pasta is fully submerged in the marinara sauce and water mixture before baking. Covering with foil for the first part of baking also traps in steam, ensuring everything stays moist and cooks evenly.
Can I assemble Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
You can! Just combine everything (except the cheese), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from chilled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving pure comfort on even the busiest weeknight, give this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe a try. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and blissfully simple to throw together—and I promise, it’ll be a dinner you look forward to sharing over and over again. Happy cooking!
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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe is a simple and delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, this easy casserole comes together with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (24 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 box (16 oz) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 35 minutes, then uncover, stir, and add cheeses. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use turkey or plant-based meatballs as a variation.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
