Irresistible Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Quick weeknight dinners just got easier with this dump and bake meatball casserole that saves precious time and energy.

Pasta and hearty meatballs combine in one simple dish without complicated prep work.

Busy parents can breathe a sizable sigh of relief knowing dinner comes together effortlessly.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in every comforting bite.

No complicated techniques or advanced culinary skills required for this crowd-pleasing meal.

Simple pantry staples merge into a delicious solution that satisfies hungry appetites.

Dive in and watch everyone around the table smile with pure satisfaction.

Perfect Complements for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich marinara and meaty flavors, cutting through the dish's heartiness with balanced acidity.
• Serve with Crispy Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty Italian bread with garlic butter, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts the soft pasta and melted cheese while soaking up extra sauce.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding a zesty and refreshing element to the meal that cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or Italian-style lager that can stand up to the robust flavors, offering a smooth and slightly hoppy counterpoint to the meatball and cheese combination.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Adaptations to Try

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular rotini pasta with gluten-free rotini or brown rice pasta. Use gluten-free pre-made meatballs or homemade ground meat meatballs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from soy, lentils, or chickpeas. Choose vegetarian marinara sauce and ensure all ingredients are meat-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use low-carb meatballs and reduce marinara sauce quantity to minimize carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit mozzarella cheese and Parmesan. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor. Select dairy-free marinara sauce to complete the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, fully-cooked frozen meatballs work perfectly. Just make sure they are thawed before adding to the casserole.

• Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the dish?

No, the uncooked pasta will cook directly in the marinara sauce and water during baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• What type of marinara sauce works best?

Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will work well. Choose your favorite brand or a sauce with robust tomato flavor.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.

Why Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Works Every Time

• Speedy Weeknight Lifesaver: This dump-and-bake casserole rescues busy families with minimal prep time, requiring just a few simple steps from start to finish.
• No-Fuss Cooking Adventure: Home cooks can effortlessly create a delicious meal without complicated techniques, making it perfect for beginners or those wanting a stress-free dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like pasta, meatballs, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• One-Pan Convenience Magic: By using a single baking dish and minimal ingredients, this recipe reduces kitchen cleanup, saving precious time and energy after a long day.

What Goes In Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides hearty texture.
• Water: Helps cook pasta and create perfect casserole consistency.

• Miniature Meatballs: Pre-cooked bite-sized protein that adds quick and easy meat component to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates creamy layer, and adds classic Italian cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that provides sharp, salty cheese accent.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley): Optional fresh garnish that adds bright, aromatic finishing touch to the casserole.

Bake And Serve Meatball Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

• Uncooked rotini pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water

Stir everything together to create a beautiful pasta mixture.

Step 3: Add Hearty Meatballs

Drop in the fully-cooked meatballs and gently mix them into the pasta sauce, ensuring they’re well-distributed.

Step 4: Cover and Protect

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in all the delicious flavors and moisture.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb all the saucy goodness.

Step 6: Cheese Topping Magic

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

For an extra flavor boost, scatter some grated Parmesan and fresh herbs on top before serving.

Enjoy your comforting meatball casserole!

Handy Hints for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Choose high-quality rotini to ensure the sauce coats each pasta curve evenly, creating a more flavorful bite.
• Use homemade or premium marinara sauce for richer taste, avoiding watery or overly sweet store-bought versions.
• Opt for pre-cooked, lean meatballs to reduce excess oil and keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and provides a creamier texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – Best Way to Keep and Heat

• Store leftover meatball casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ensuring it can be stored up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole delivers comfort in one effortless dish, combining hearty pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese. Weeknight dinner heroes will appreciate this simple, delicious meal that brings family together without complex preparation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package of uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 (14-ounce / 397 grams) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs, thawed if frozen
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Liquid:

• 1 (24 or 25 ounces / 680 or 709 milliliters) jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups water

Garnish (Optional):

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a robust 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for this hearty casserole.
2. Select a spacious baking vessel and pour in uncooked rotini, creating a foundation for the dish.
3. Generously cascade marinara sauce and water over the pasta, ensuring complete coverage for even cooking.
4. Gently nestle fully-cooked meatballs throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor.
5. Shield the entire dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and steam.
6. Position the covered casserole in the preheated oven and allow it to transform for 35 minutes, letting pasta absorb liquid and become tender.
7. Carefully remove the foil, revealing the partially cooked creation beneath.
8. Liberally scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a blanket of melty goodness.
9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, slightly crisp texture.
10. After 10 minutes, remove the casserole when cheese appears bubbling and slightly bronzed.
11. Optional: Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan and delicate herbs over the top before serving.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Swap traditional meatballs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake without compromising flavor complexity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal that saves precious cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg