Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself? Well, say hello to this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This recipe is as simple as it gets—no fuss, no mess, and just about the most satisfying meal you can imagine. All you need to do is throw everything together in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Think juicy meatballs, cheesy goodness, and a flavorful marinara sauce all coming together in a way that’ll have your family coming back for seconds. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll want in your dinner rotation—because who doesn’t love a dinner that’s both easy and delicious?

Why You’ll Love Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe:

No Prep, No Stress

The best part about this casserole? It’s a true dump-and-bake! Just toss the ingredients into a baking dish, and you’re done. No chopping, no browning, and no complicated steps—just deliciousness in minutes.

Family-Friendly

This dish is perfect for the whole family. Whether you have picky eaters or the biggest food lovers, everyone will be satisfied with this cheesy, meaty masterpiece. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Comfort Food at Its Best

This casserole has all the comforting flavors we crave—meatballs, cheese, marinara sauce, and a golden, bubbly finish. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner.

Budget-Friendly

Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples like pasta and marinara sauce, this dish is easy on the wallet but still big on flavor. It’s a fantastic meal to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Customizable

Don’t have frozen meatballs? No problem—use whatever protein you prefer! You can swap the meatballs for ground turkey, sausage, or even make it a vegetarian version with plant-based meatballs or a veggie medley.

Ingredients in Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy and tasty casserole:

Frozen Meatballs

The star of the show! Whether you go for beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs, these save you time and hassle, while still providing that hearty, comforting flavor.

Marinara Sauce

A rich, flavorful marinara sauce will coat those meatballs and keep everything moist and delicious as it bakes.

Pasta

Any short pasta works well in this casserole, like penne, rotini, or ziti. The pasta will soak up all that tasty sauce and flavor while baking in the oven.

Mozzarella Cheese

What’s a casserole without melty, gooey cheese? Mozzarella adds that perfect stretchy, cheesy goodness we all crave.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of Parmesan gives the dish a salty, nutty edge that balances the flavors of the meatballs and sauce.

Italian Seasoning

For that signature Italian flavor that ties it all together, a bit of Italian seasoning adds a herbaceous kick.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is an easy way to add a savory depth to the dish, complementing the sauce and meatballs beautifully.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 400
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 18g

Instructions

Let’s get this casserole in the oven and ready for dinner:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure even cooking and help your casserole come out perfectly bubbly.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good mix so the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated with sauce.

3. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs and pasta. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating that irresistible cheesy layer we all love.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop up some cheesy, saucy goodness and enjoy!

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Here are a few ways to serve this cheesy, meaty masterpiece:

With a Side Salad

Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad—something light with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

Nothing goes better with a cheesy pasta dish than some warm garlic bread! It’s perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

For a nutritious side, roast some vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to add some color and texture to your plate.

As a Standalone Meal

This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own! A simple garnish of fresh basil or parsley will add a pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Meatballs

While frozen meatballs are quick and easy, fresh homemade meatballs can make this casserole even more special. You can use your favorite meatball recipe or buy pre-cooked fresh meatballs from the store.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce to kick things up a notch.

Swap the Pasta

Don’t have penne or ziti? No worries! You can swap in any short pasta shape—rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni will work beautifully.

Make Ahead

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.

Make it Gluten-Free

To make this casserole gluten-free, swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure the meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade meatballs?

A1: Yes, absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add a personal touch and extra flavor to this dish. Just be sure to use cooked meatballs, as the casserole doesn’t require any cooking time for the meatballs.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply add 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time if baking from the fridge.

Q3: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A3: Definitely! Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or any cheese you like. Just make sure it melts well.

Q4: Can I use a different kind of pasta?

A4: Yes! You can swap in any short pasta, such as rotini, macaroni, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta you use.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?

A5: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A6: Absolutely! You can stir in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them first before adding them to the casserole.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?

A7: Add crushed red pepper flakes, use spicy marinara sauce, or add a diced jalapeño to the mix to give the casserole an extra kick.

Q8: Can I use chicken meatballs instead of beef?

A8: Yes! Chicken meatballs work great in this casserole, and you can even use turkey meatballs if you prefer a lighter option.

Q9: How long can I store leftovers?

A9: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?

A10: Yes! Just swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta and ensure that your meatballs and marinara sauce are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate hassle-free dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ve got a hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy nights or any time you want a comforting dinner with little work. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead—dump, bake, and enjoy!

Print