Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
If you crave a hearty dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. With only a handful of ingredients and almost no hands-on time, this cozy baked pasta is a true weeknight hero. Every bite is a delightful combination of saucy noodles, juicy meatballs, and golden, bubbling cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, you’ll love how this satisfying casserole fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma — all while you relax and let the oven do the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is in both its simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient matters, bringing something special to the hearty, crowd-pleasing dish — so don’t skip any of the essentials!
- Rotini pasta (16 ounces): This chunky, twisty pasta traps every bit of sauce and cheese, making every forkful irresistible.
- Marinara sauce (24–25 ounces): Go with your favorite jarred brand or homemade sauce for a rich, tangy tomato base.
- Water (3 cups): Vital for perfectly cooked pasta that’s never mushy or dry — don’t skimp!
- Fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs (14 ounces): These savory, bite-sized meatballs make for speedy prep and pack in classic comfort-food flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The melty, gooey topping that seals the deal on your casserole’s creamy finish.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get things started by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). Giving your oven time to preheat ensures the casserole cooks evenly and helps develop that crave-worthy, bubbly cheese finish everyone loves.
Step 2: Combine Pasta, Sauce, Water, and Meatballs
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the uncooked rotini, marinara sauce, and water. Toss in those thawed, fully-cooked cocktail meatballs. Stir everything together right in the dish. At this stage, don’t worry if it looks soupy — the pasta will drink up most of the liquid as it bakes!
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep all the steam and moisture inside. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, letting the pasta cook gently and soak up all that tomatoey goodness.
Step 4: Check and Finish the Pasta
After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch for steam!) and give everything a gentle stir. Check a noodle or two — if the pasta isn’t quite al dente, re-cover and pop it back in for another 5 to 10 minutes. This flexibility lets you get the perfect, tender texture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Brown
Once the pasta is tender, scatter the mozzarella cheese across the top in an even layer. Bake, uncovered, for a final 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and maybe a little golden in spots. That’s when the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole magic really happens!
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your casserole with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a shower of fresh herbs if you have them on hand. These fresh touches brighten up the finished dish and make it look irresistible when you bring it to the table.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a whiff of freshness that complements the cheesy, meaty casserole. Shredded Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate each serving and make the dish restaurant-worthy — even if you’re just eating in your pajamas!
Side Dishes
Pair your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or serve some garlic bread on the side to help soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans also make wonderful veggie additions to round out your comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner-party flair, or pile it high in a big serving bowl for family-style fun. For a twist, top each portion with extra fresh herbs, a dollop of ricotta, or even a scattering of chili flakes for a little kick. However you present it, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. The flavors just keep getting better as they mingle overnight — and you’ll thank yourself at lunchtime tomorrow.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked casserole by packing portions in freezer-safe containers. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, although it can be reheated straight from frozen in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered in a 350°F oven until thoroughly warmed (about 15–20 minutes) or zap individual portions in the microwave. If you want that classic cheesy top, add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating uncovered for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
Absolutely! While rotini catches the sauce beautifully, penne, ziti, or even rigatoni work nicely — just stick with similarly sized shapes and adjust cooking time (a minute or two more or less) as needed.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
For the best texture, it’s ideal to use fully thawed meatballs. If you toss them in frozen, you may need to add extra baking time, and the sauce might end up a bit thicker.
Can I add vegetables to Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
Certainly! Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms before baking for a nutrition boost and extra color. Just keep the quantities moderate so the casserole doesn’t get too crowded.
What’s the best way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free rotini and double-check that your meatballs and marinara are certified gluten-free. Keep in mind that some gluten-free pastas cook faster or slower, so check for doneness early.
How far ahead can I assemble the casserole?
You can assemble Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole up to one day in advance (hold off on the cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, give everything a good stir, and continue with the recipe as written.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a total lifesaver for busy nights and cozy gatherings alike. If you love no-fuss comfort food with big flavor and even bigger smiles at the table, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and see why it’s always disappearing first on my dinner table!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple and delicious one-dish meal that requires minimal prep work. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a hearty and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
Sauce:
- 24–25 ounces marinara sauce
Water:
- 3 cups water
Meatballs:
- 14 ounces fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked rotini, marinara sauce, water, and thawed meatballs. Stir well.
- Bake Covered: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Check Pasta: Remove foil, stir gently, and check if pasta is al dente; cover again if needed and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with optional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mix.
- Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, Meatball Pasta Bake, Easy Meatball Casserole
