Lazy Day Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Culinary magic happens when a dump and bake meatball casserole arrives to simplify weeknight dinners.

Pasta, sauce, and tender meatballs create a comforting meal that practically cooks itself.

Busy families will appreciate how little effort goes into this delicious dish.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Convenience meets taste in this straightforward recipe that requires almost zero prep work.

No need to dirty multiple pots or spend hours cooking – everything comes together in one baking dish.

You’ll love how quickly this hearty meal appears on your table, ready to satisfy hungry appetites with minimal fuss.

What Goes Into Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Pasta: A quick-cooking pasta that will absorb the marinara sauce and create a hearty base for the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and rich Italian-style taste to the dish.
• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made meatballs that add protein and convenience to this easy one-dish meal.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping and add creamy richness to the casserole.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Water (or Broth): Liquid that helps cook the pasta and prevents the casserole from becoming too dry.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): A fresh herb that provides a bright, aromatic garnish to finish the dish.

Step-By-Step For Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magic Mixture

• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water or chicken broth
• Frozen meatballs
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, making sure every pasta piece gets cozy with the sauce and is completely covered by liquid.

Step 3: Cover and Bake the Base

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 35-40 minutes. The pasta should become tender and absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Finale

Pull the dish out of the oven. Give the casserole a gentle stir.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Scatter some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Handy Hints For Meatball Casserole Greatness

• Swap marinara sauce with homemade or low-sodium versions to control salt intake and enhance flavor profiles.
• Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutritional value, making the casserole more balanced and hearty.
• Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for lighter protein options that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free pasta and checking meatball ingredients for wheat-based fillers.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini directly into the casserole for increased nutrients and texture variety.

Tasty Takes On Meatball Casserole You’ll Love

• Spicy Southwest Meatball Casserole: Replace marinara with salsa, add taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Chicken Alfredo Meatball Bake: Swap marinara for creamy alfredo sauce, use chicken meatballs, add spinach, and sprinkle with extra parmesan for a rich, creamy version.
• Mediterranean Meatball Pasta: Use tomato sauce with oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, mix in sliced olives, and garnish with fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Great Pairings For Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty meatball casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings everyone together.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice some warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce, creating the perfect side that complements the cheesy meatball pasta.
• Weekend Potluck Winner: Pack this casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, ensuring it stays warm and becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that friends and family will request again and again.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Portion the casserole into meal prep containers for a quick, satisfying lunch that reheats beautifully and tastes even more flavorful the next day.

Saving Leftover Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs work perfectly. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

• Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?

No, the uncooked pasta will cook directly in the sauce and liquid during baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with tomato sauce, pasta sauce, or even crushed tomatoes. Choose a sauce you enjoy.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed when ready to eat.

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Worth Craving

• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan wonder that combines protein, vegetables, and starches without complicated cooking techniques, making dinner assembly a breeze.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Hearty dish packed with familiar flavors that kids and adults will love, offering a balanced meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allow busy home cooks to create a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, potlucks, or relaxed gatherings, providing satisfying and filling nutrition in a single pan.

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting dump and bake meatball casserole brings hearty Italian-American flavors to weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave after a long day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (24 oz) bag of frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
• 3 cups water (or chicken broth)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a spacious baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Directly within the baking dish, amalgamate uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, liquid, and frozen meatballs. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper across the mixture.
3. Gently maneuver ingredients to ensure complete liquid coverage and uniform distribution of components.
4. Hermetically seal the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight barrier to trap moisture and heat.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb flavors and become perfectly tender.
6. Carefully extract the dish, remove foil, and gently stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients.
7. Lavishly crown the surface with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, golden topping.
8. Return uncovered to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching cheese transform into a bubbling, golden blanket.
9. Optional: Enhance visual appeal and flavor by scattering fresh basil or parsley across the surface.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a comforting one-dish meal.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and make the dish healthier.
• Substitute frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini directly into the casserole for increased nutrition and flavor depth.
• For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and verify meatball ingredients are wheat-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg