Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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When the craving for comfort food strikes but time is short, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the answer. It’s as simple as it sounds—no pre-cooking, no complicated prep, and absolutely no fuss. Everything comes together in one baking dish for a cozy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and warmth.

Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, gooey cheese, and rich marinara come together in this dish to create a dinner that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, a casual gathering with friends, or when you just want something satisfying with minimal effort. This casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

There are so many reasons to love this dish. First, it’s a true one-dish wonder—you literally dump everything in, bake it, and dinner is done. It uses frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta, which saves time and cleanup. The cheese melts into the marinara, wrapping the meatballs in creamy, cheesy goodness. Best of all, it’s incredibly customizable. You can switch up the type of pasta or use spicy meatballs for a different twist. It’s a family favorite for a reason.

Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen Ones?

Absolutely. If you have homemade meatballs ready or prefer to make your own, go for it. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. Frozen meatballs are a convenient shortcut, but homemade adds a personal touch and can let you play with seasoning or protein (like turkey or chicken). Just be aware that uncooked homemade meatballs might not fully cook through using this method, so pre-baking is key.

Ingredients for the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This casserole brings together a few pantry and freezer staples to create something truly delicious. Each ingredient plays an important role in making sure the pasta cooks perfectly and the flavors are just right.

Frozen meatballs provide the protein and savory heartiness. Choose your favorite variety—beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian.

Marinara sauce is the base that coats the pasta and meatballs with rich tomato flavor. Use a high-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade version.

Uncooked pasta cooks right in the casserole, absorbing all that marinara goodness. Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best.

Water helps cook the pasta evenly and keeps the casserole from drying out.

Shredded mozzarella cheese melts into the dish, adding creamy texture and irresistible cheesiness.

Parmesan cheese gives the final layer of flavor, adding a salty, nutty topping when sprinkled over the top.

How To Make the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large baking dish, mix the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and frozen meatballs. Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is coated and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This will allow the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld without drying out.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil, give everything a gentle stir, and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole feeds about 6 hungry people, making it ideal for families or a dinner with leftovers. Serve it hot from the oven with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil for a pop of color and freshness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it from drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months, just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, golden garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up all the marinara sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance out the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers, which pair well with the tomato flavors.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light and refreshing side.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quick-cooked green beans with garlic and a touch of lemon add color and texture to the plate.

Antipasto Platter

Serve a small plate of marinated olives, artichokes, and cured meats to give your meal an Italian-style appetizer.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re serving a crowd, offer this as a vegetarian pasta option for a delicious contrast【5†source】.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other warm and comforting recipes:

• Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for a hearty twist on beef and veggies.
• No Peek Chicken Casserole when you want an ultra-easy chicken dinner.
• Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole if you’re craving crispy, cheesy fun.
• White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for creamy, cheesy southwest flavor.
• Chicken Biscuit Casserole with flaky biscuits baked right on top.

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Let me know how your casserole turned out! Did you go with spicy meatballs or keep it classic? Maybe you added some spinach or extra garlic? I love seeing how others put their own spin on my recipes.

Explore more comforting, crowd-pleasing casseroles and health-boosting meal ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your new favorite weeknight dinner.

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