Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Whenever I’m looking for a no-fuss dinner that still feels comforting and homemade, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is my go-to. I love how it combines the ease of tossing everything into one dish with the hearty flavors you expect from a classic meatball dinner. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend ages prepping or cleaning up.

What makes this casserole really shine is how quickly it comes together — literally dumping in the ingredients and letting the oven do the work. Plus, the combination of marinara, meatballs, and gooey mozzarella means you get that warm, cheesy hug of a meal everyone loves. If you’ve been hunting for an easy recipe that feels like a family favorite, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe deserves a spot on your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that meld beautifully together. Nothing too fancy is required, which means you can usually pull this together without a last-minute trip to the store. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each item plays its part.

• Water: This hydrates the pasta as it bakes, eliminating the need to boil separately — such a time saver.
• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred marinara; the sauce flavors everything and brings it all together.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a lovely gentle heat if you like a little kick.
• Uncooked rotini or penne pasta: These shapes hold onto sauce well, making each bite flavorful.
• Frozen precooked meatballs: Using precooked saves time, and frozen makes it even easier to keep on hand.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Divided to sprinkle on top and stir in — gives you that melty, cheesy texture we all crave.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch that adds color and a fresh herbaceous note.

Variations

I always encourage making this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary needs or add your favorite extras, it’s super adaptable — a great recipe to experiment with!

• Vegetarian option: I once swapped meatballs for plant-based versions, and honestly, it worked great with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning.
• Spicy twist: I love adding chopped jalapeños or more red pepper flakes when I’m craving some heat.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for a richer flavor.
• Different pasta shapes: Penne, fusilli, or ziti all work well and offer a slightly different texture.
• Adding veggies: Throw in some chopped spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost — they bake right in and keep things easy.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Combine Liquids and Sauce

Start by pouring 3 cups of water into your casserole dish, then add the entire jar of marinara sauce. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir these together gently — this liquid base will cook the pasta while infusing it with sauce flavor.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Meatballs

Next, pour in the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Scatter your frozen precooked meatballs evenly over the top—there’s no need to thaw them first! Give everything a gentle stir to get it mixed, but be careful not to compact the pasta too much; it needs room to cook evenly.

Step 3: Layer with Cheese

Reserve about half of your shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the rest right into the casserole, mixing it through just a bit. Then layer the remaining cheese on top. This creates that irresistible cheesy crust while also weaving cheese flavor throughout the dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. Check near the end to see if the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you want a crispier top, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I also add a little bit of grated parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. Garlic bread on the side never hurts either — it’s perfect for mopping up that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this in smaller individual ramekins, which felt extra special and portioned — plus, everyone gets their own cheesy topping. It’s also a great recipe to layer in a slow cooker for a buffet-style setup where guests can serve themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container before refrigerating. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days without losing moisture or flavor, which makes for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this casserole in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m in a pinch on a hectic night, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat. It freezes without losing that dreamy cheesy texture or flavor.

Reheating

My favorite way is to reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave portions, but I usually add a tiny splash of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is one of those gems I come back to when I want simplicity without sacrificing flavor or comfort. The ease of just dumping everything in and letting the oven do its magic is a lifesaver on busy days. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll see how quickly it can become a staple in your house too—effortless weeknight dinners that bring smiles all around are hard to beat!

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