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