If you’re craving comfort food that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where you gather all your simple, wholesome ingredients, toss them together in a baking dish, and let the oven do the hard work. Imagine tender pasta soaked in rich marinara sauce, juicy meatballs nestled throughout, and layers of gooey, melted cheese on top. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want dinner on the table without hours of prep, yet it feels like a warm, hearty hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity, and every ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory meatballs to the aromatic herbs, each element is essential for the perfect balance of taste and comfort.
- 1 lb frozen meatballs: Using frozen meatballs keeps things super easy, and they stay juicy and flavorful after baking.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: This is the heart of the dish, providing that rich tomato base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the casserole a melty, stretchy texture that’s downright irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick on top for extra depth.
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or ziti): These shaped pastas hold onto sauce beautifully and provide a delightful bite.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps cook the pasta in the oven and keeps everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds fresh, aromatic notes that complement the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and your meatballs will heat through just right alongside the pasta.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom. This creates the perfect base to catch all those beautiful flavors as everything bakes. Then, take your frozen meatballs straight from the freezer and scatter them over the pasta – no defrosting needed, making this recipe even easier!
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the layered meatballs and pasta, then add 1/2 cup of water to keep the pasta moist and help it cook through in the oven. Give the sauce and water a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over everything – these simple seasonings make a huge difference in flavor depth.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, which is just enough time for the pasta to get tender and the meatballs to heat thoroughly while soaking up all those rich, saucy flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. This step gives you that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese layer that brings everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This rest time helps the dish set so it slices beautifully and every serving is packed with comforting flavor.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich casserole wonderfully. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is a delicious way to spice things up. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavors and add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a filling main dish, so you’ll want sides that balance it out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are classic companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a nutritious boost, steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans pair beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a personal touch. You could also layer the casserole with extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms added in between the pasta and meatballs for added flavor and texture. For family-style meals, serve straight from the casserole dish at the table for a cozy, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this comforting casserole, you’ll be happy to know it stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it; cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time and checking that the pasta is tender and meatballs heated through.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, microwave individual portions until steaming hot, but the oven method keeps the pasta texture perfect and the cheese deliciously melty.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen in this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work great; just make sure they’re cooked through before assembling the casserole to avoid undercooked centers after baking.
What pasta works best for this casserole?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or ziti hold up really well and catch the sauce nicely, making the casserole flavorful in every bite.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté them lightly beforehand to remove excess moisture and ensure perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives, or simply skip the cheese step for a delicious, lighter version of the casserole.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking to give your casserole a nice kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and stunningly delicious. Whether you’re short on time, feeding a crowd, or just in the mood for something comforting, this recipe delivers every time. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to meals whenever you want effortless, cozy magic from the oven.
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A simple and comforting Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole that combines frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce into one easy dish baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Ingredients
Meatball Casserole
- 1 lb frozen meatballs (about 20 meatballs)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or ziti)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked pasta on the bottom. Place the frozen meatballs evenly atop the pasta layer.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, then add 1/2 cup of water. Stir gently to combine the sauce and water evenly throughout.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper evenly over the casserole to enhance the flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 35 minutes until the pasta is tender and meatballs are heated through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meatball casserole!
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs makes this dish quick and convenient.
- Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or ziti works well in this casserole.
- Make sure to cover the dish to fully cook the pasta and meatballs through steaming.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
