Table Of Content show

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, you’ve found it! This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole merges classic Italian flavors with a simple, one-dish preparation method that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

All you have to do is layer uncooked pasta, savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and a generous helping of cheese in a single baking dish, then let the oven do the rest. You’re about to create a delightful dish that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

Cheesy meatballs and rotini pasta in a bowl, garnished with parsley.

This casserole turns out bubbling and golden-brown, making it impossible for anyone to resist sneaking in for an extra bite. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how it delivers a restaurant-quality meal without all the fuss. With just 10 minutes of prep time, dinner is truly a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Effortless Prep: This dish requires no precooking or pasta boiling. Just mix the ingredients, and let the oven do its magic! It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights.

Cleanup Champion: With only one baking dish to manage, you won’t have to stress about a big pile of dishes afterward.

Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in spicy meatballs for added kick. This recipe is endlessly adaptable!

Potluck Perfect: This casserole travels well and can keep warm, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or to share with loved ones.

A bowl of dump-and-bake meatball casserole with garnish.

Ingredients

Pasta: Uncooked rotini or penne are perfect for this recipe due to their sturdy shape, which holds up beautifully in a casserole.
Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that keeps the pasta moist and flavorful.
Frozen Precooked Meatballs: Convenient and hearty, these provide savory flavor without needing extra prep time.
Crushed Red Pepper: Optional, but it adds a gentle heat to the dish.
Shredded Mozzarella: For a creamy, melty texture and that iconic cheesy top layer.
Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Parsley: While optional, these ingredients add a wonderful finish and a pop of color to the dish.

A close-up of dump-and-bake meatball casserole in a baking dish.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Creating this casserole could not be simpler! Just follow these easy steps.

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Combine: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the uncooked pasta, water, marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, and red pepper (if using).
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Stir and Check: Once 30 minutes is up, remove the foil, stir the casserole well, and check the pasta’s doneness. If the pasta isn’t fully cooked, simply return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Add the Mozzarella: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the mixture, then sprinkle another cup evenly on top.
Bake Again: Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Despite its simplicity, these tips can help you elevate your casserole!

The Meatballs Matter: Choose high-quality frozen, Italian-style meatballs for the best results. They’ll make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Forget to Thaw? No worries! You can quickly defrost frozen meatballs by microwaving them on 30% power in 1-minute intervals until thawed.
Pick the Perfect Pasta: Short, sturdy shapes like rotini or penne are best as they hold the sauce and flavors beautifully.
Room Temperature is Key: Allow the shredded cheese to come to room temperature for easier melting.
Spice it Up or Down: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper according to your spice tolerance. It’s optional, so feel free to leave it out!
Cover Tightly: Make sure the aluminum foil is sealed snugly during the initial bake to trap moisture, ensuring even cooking.

A delicious plate of baked dump-and-bake meatball casserole.

Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile! Here are some variation ideas to inspire your creativity:

Use Mini Meatballs: Smaller meatballs distribute more evenly throughout the casserole in every delicious bite. Consider spicy or turkey meatballs for a twist.
Toss in Veggies: Add in some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to bolster the nutrition factor. Diced zucchinis and black olives are also great additions.
Make it Meatier: Incorporate up to a pound of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier casserole.
Swap the Sauce: Try out different sauces, like vodka sauce or Alfredo, to mix up the flavor profile.
Be Super Cheesy: Experiment by adding various cheeses such as provolone or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Experiment with Herbs: Herb combinations, like oregano and basil, elevate the flavor to a new level and add aromatic notes.

Serving Suggestions

This dump-and-bake casserole offers a complete meal all on its own, but you can always enhance the feast with delightful sides. Here are some suggestions:

Garlic bread for that perfect crunch.
A fresh garden salad to balance the meal.
Steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

How to Store

You might find yourself with leftovers after this hearty dish! Here’s how to store them properly:

To Store: Allow the casserole to cool, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer the completely cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?: Yes, but make sure they are fully cooked beforehand, as fresh meatballs may not hold their shape while baking.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?: You can substitute with any pasta sauce you enjoy, such as Alfredo or a homemade tomato sauce.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What type of cheese should I use?: Shredded mozzarella is best for that gooey, melty texture, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for more flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?: Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives and consider adding more veggies to enhance flavor and texture.