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