If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and comes together with minimal effort, this Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is exactly what you need. With tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. The best part? It requires no pre-cooking! Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do the work for you. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or making a cozy dinner for friends, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

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The Inspiration Behind Dump & Bake Casseroles

Dump & bake recipes have gained popularity for their convenience and simplicity. They require minimal prep work—just toss the ingredients together and let the oven handle the rest. This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole takes that ease to the next level by combining frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and jarred marinara sauce, making it a true one-dish wonder. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal with perfectly tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a melty layer of mozzarella cheese that’s hard to resist.

Why Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole Will Be Your New Go-To Dinner

What sets this recipe apart is its convenience without sacrificing flavor. You get the satisfying experience of a homemade meal with none of the hassle. The frozen meatballs are a time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise taste, while the uncooked pasta absorbs the marinara sauce and broth during baking, becoming perfectly al dente. Plus, the addition of Italian seasoning and garlic powder brings bold flavors that elevate this dish from simple to savory perfection. Topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh parsley, this casserole is as delicious as it is easy to make.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

Calories: 450 kcalFat: 25gCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 22gSugar: 8gSodium: 750mg

This casserole is both hearty and filling, making it a great option for a satisfying family dinner. You’ll get the perfect balance of protein from the meatballs and carbs from the pasta, all in one delicious dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the dining experience with a few simple side dishes. Serve it with a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal. You can also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to add some freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy flavors.

If you’re hosting a casual dinner, consider serving this casserole with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, which will complement the hearty flavors of the meatballs and marinara. For non-alcoholic pairings, a sparkling water with lemon or a simple iced tea will do the trick.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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Fun Fact: The Evolution of Casseroles

Casseroles became popular in American cuisine in the 1950s due to their ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd. Originally, they were a way to use up leftovers, but over time they evolved into a beloved comfort food category. This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole carries on that tradition by delivering a quick, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Your Favorite Meatballs: This recipe works with any type of frozen meatball, whether beef, turkey, or chicken. You can even use homemade meatballs if you have them on hand.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth, be sure to measure the liquid accurately to avoid overcooking. The pasta should come out perfectly tender without being mushy.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Optional Variations:

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrients, toss in some frozen spinach or diced zucchini along with the meatballs. The veggies will cook along with the casserole and add freshness to the dish.
• Cheese Lovers: If you can’t get enough cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan or ricotta cheese over the top along with the mozzarella for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the meatballs are gluten-free to adapt this recipe for those with dietary restrictions.

Drink Pairings:

• Alcoholic: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Sangiovese would pair beautifully with the rich flavors of this meatball casserole.
• Non-Alcoholic: A sparkling lemonade or a classic soda like cola would be a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy casserole.

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Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, spread the uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom.
3. Add the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta in an even layer.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
6. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Final Thoughts

This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a cheesy, comforting meal on the table that everyone will love. The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and melted mozzarella is irresistible, making this casserole a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again!