Description
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a hassle-free, comforting dish that combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce baked to perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, cheesy meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir lightly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve the casserole hot and enjoy a savory, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti for the best texture.
- Frozen meatballs do not need to be thawed before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~300g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, frozen meatballs recipe, cheesy casserole
