Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep, it combines savory meatballs, pasta, and a tangy marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheese, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (optional
for garnish)
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
1/2 cup spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Add any optional add-ins like mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, or spinach at this stage.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
You can customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables or spices for added flavor. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if you use fresh meatballs or different types of pasta.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 to 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, meatball recipe