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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 147 reviews

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, fully-cooked meatballs, and cheese in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly and golden. The casserole delivers comforting flavors of classic Italian meatballs combined with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, making it a family favorite with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 (24 or 25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water

Protein

  • 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese

Optional Garnish

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rotini pasta. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, followed by the 3 cups of water. Add the fully-cooked miniature meatballs, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
  3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
  4. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  5. Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle optional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if preferred.
  • Use pre-cooked meatballs for convenience and faster cooking time.
  • To add a vegetable boost, consider stirring in chopped bell peppers or spinach before baking.
  • If you like a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: meatball casserole, easy dinner, one-pot meal, baked pasta, rotini meatballs, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe/