Dump-and-Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, uncooked pasta, and water in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a delicious and comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any shape of pasta you like; penne or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Frozen meatballs can be pre-cooked or raw; adjust baking time accordingly if needed.
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, Italian recipe