Description
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen meatballs with pasta, pasta sauce, and cheese, it requires minimal prep and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection with fresh herb garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 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 prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, add the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook fully and the meatballs to heat through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but penne or rigatoni hold sauce well.
- For a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.
- If you prefer fresh meatballs, cook them beforehand according to package or recipe instructions.
- Covering the casserole initially prevents the pasta from drying out while it cooks.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, baked pasta, weeknight dinner
