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What if I told you that you could make a delicious, comforting casserole with just a few minutes of prep, and you don’t even have to cook the pasta first? That’s exactly what this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole delivers. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and hearty, but without the fuss. The best part? Everything—yes, even the pasta—goes into the baking dish uncooked. This means less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying a flavorful, family-friendly dinner.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss meal. It’s ideal for busy parents, students, or anyone who wants a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. It’s also great for feeding a crowd, as you can easily double the recipe for larger groups. If you love Italian flavors but don’t have time for complicated cooking, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Prep: No need to boil pasta or brown meatballs. Just dump everything into the casserole dish and bake.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cheesy, meaty, pasta-filled casserole.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this easy casserole:
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 cup water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (16 oz) package frozen pre-cooked meatballs
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix well.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Add the uncooked pasta to the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta, ensuring all the pasta is covered.
Scatter the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce. They don’t need to be thawed; they will cook right in the oven.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the pasta is tender.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
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