Description
A simple and hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe that combines frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta, baked together for a comforting and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, place the frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, uncooked rotini pasta, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly within the dish.
- Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Initial Bake: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to cook the pasta and heat the meatballs through.
- Stir Casserole: Carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole gently to redistribute the ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Optionally sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to thicken and cool slightly.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy your easy, comforting Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or ziti.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or spinach before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor over pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt based on the saltiness of your marinara sauce and meatballs.
- Ensure the meatballs are fully cooked before baking if not using pre-cooked frozen meatballs.