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