Lazy Sunday Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful dump and bake meatball casserole that simplifies weeknight dinners.

Pasta, tender meatballs, and melted cheese create a magical one-pan wonder.

Busy families will adore how quickly this meal comes together without complicated prep work.

Minimal ingredients and zero fuss mean you can have a hot, satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour.

Hearty and packed with flavor, each bite promises a delicious escape from kitchen stress.

No complicated techniques or extensive cleanup required – just mix, bake, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Special

Simplify Meal Prep: Ditch complicated cooking steps with this one-dish wonder that combines pasta, meatballs, and sauce in a single baking dish, making dinner a breeze.

Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: No multiple pots or pans needed – everything cooks together, reducing washing up and saving precious time after a busy day.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, this hearty casserole delivers classic Italian flavors everyone loves, creating instant mealtime happiness.

Customize with Ease: Swap marinara for different sauces, use homemade or store-bought meatballs, and experiment with cheese varieties to match your family’s taste preferences.

Key Components of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Uncooked Pasta: The base of the casserole that provides hearty texture and substance.
• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made protein that adds delicious meaty flavor to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian sauce that coats and flavors the entire casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey, stretchy topping for the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: A optional cheese that adds a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Water, Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the pasta and create moisture in the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

How to Craft Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

Pour uncooked pasta into the baking dish and add marinara sauce and chicken broth.

Mix everything thoroughly so every pasta strand gets perfectly coated with sauce.

Step 3: Arrange Frozen Meatballs

Gently place frozen meatballs across the top of the pasta mixture, spreading them evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until pasta becomes tender and meatballs are heated through.

Step 6: Cheese Melting Magic

Remove foil and generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra flavor punch.

Tips to Master Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Opt for low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and enhance flavor balance.
• Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutritional boost without compromising taste.
• Keep frozen meatballs evenly spaced to ensure consistent cooking and prevent soggy texture.
• Swap ground beef meatballs with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter protein options.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.

Enhancements That Work with Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Gluten-Free Meatball Casserole: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini, and use gluten-free meatballs and marinara sauce.
• Vegetarian Bake: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and use low-carb meatballs for a lighter version.

Side Dishes That Complement Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Comfort Corner: Cozy up with this hearty casserole on chilly nights, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this quick one-dish meal in under an hour with minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy families.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion and freeze leftovers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner that tastes just as delicious reheated.
• Italian Twist: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the classic flavors and add a gourmet touch.

Best Practices to Store Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and roughly the same size as frozen meatballs for consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to use marinara sauce, or can I swap it?

You can use other tomato-based sauces like arrabbiata or basic tomato sauce. Choose a sauce you enjoy that complements the meatballs.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal. They cook evenly and hold sauce well in this dump and bake method.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and meatballs are gluten-free certified.

Quick Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole combines classic Italian flavors with effortless preparation. Quick weeknight comfort awaits when you mix pasta, marinara, and pre-made meatballs for a satisfying family meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 pound uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water or chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour uncooked pasta into the baking dish, then add marinara sauce and liquid, ensuring complete pasta coverage through thorough mixing.
3. Distribute frozen meatballs evenly across the pasta and sauce mixture.
4. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper uniformly over the casserole.
5. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture during cooking.
6. Bake covered for 35-40 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and become tender.
7. Carefully remove foil and generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface.
8. Return uncovered dish to oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling texture.
9. Finish by dusting Parmesan cheese over the casserole for an extra layer of savory depth before serving.

Notes

• Swap pasta types easily by using gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium marinara sauce and using herbs for extra flavor without salt.
• For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken meatballs and use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Enhance veggie intake by mixing in fresh spinach or zucchini before baking for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg