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
Scale
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
