Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving hearty comfort food with zero fuss, this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. Simply toss a handful of classic ingredients into a dish, let the oven work its magic, and get ready for piping-hot pasta loaded with saucy meatballs and a blanket of gooey cheese. Best of all, there’s no boiling noodles or standing over the stove—just big flavors and family-friendly results in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how these simple, everyday ingredients join forces to create something truly special here. Each brings something essential—whether that’s rich tomato flavor, melty cheese pulls, or the unbeatable satisfaction of perfectly cooked pasta with no extra prep.

• Frozen meatballs: These save loads of time and absorb all that rich sauce as they bake, turning out juicy and flavorful.
• Pasta sauce: A trusty jar of your favorite marinara is the soul of the casserole, adding depth and tang to every forkful.
• Water: Don’t skip it! Water is key to ensuring the pasta cooks up tender and soaks up all the saucy goodness right in the oven.
• Uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni): The noodles go in raw and come out perfectly textured, saving you an extra pan and making things ultra-easy.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: This deliciously gooey layer helps tie the whole dish together with that crave-worthy stretchiness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parm brings a nutty kick and helps the cheese topping crisp up just right.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a fragrant finish that brightens up the whole casserole.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a large casserole dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray—this not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a whole lot easier after your dinner feast.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

Grab that casserole dish and combine the frozen meatballs, whole can of pasta sauce, cup of water, and uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni work best). Give everything a gentle stir so the pasta is well-coated and the meatballs are nestled in evenly. Watching the ingredients come together at this stage is so satisfying, knowing it’s all about to bake into perfection with minimal effort!

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes. This step is where all the magic happens—the pasta softens as it soaks up the saucy liquid, while the meatballs warm up and become infused with flavor. No peeking just yet! The foil keeps all that steam inside, making sure every bite is tender.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

Carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!) and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This is when your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole gets that irresistible golden finish and gooey, bubbly cheese topping.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it sets up nicely. If you like, top it off with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herby aroma. Grab your serving spoon and dig in while it’s piping hot and delightfully cheesy!

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley truly elevates the finished dish, adding vibrant color and a touch of freshness right before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan is also always welcome, especially if you love an extra-savory finish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole alongside a crisp green salad or a basket of warm garlic bread to round out the meal. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are wonderful, too, and balance the hearty flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, try scooping portions into individual ramekins for a charming touch—or pile the casserole into a hollowed-out round loaf of bread for a fun, edible serving ‘bowl’ that nobody can resist. You can even let everyone customize their plates with extra toppings like chili flakes or sliced olives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had extra time to mingle!

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal any night.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in a covered dish and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or warm individual servings in the microwave. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a little extra sauce or water before reheating to keep it moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole, since frozen ones are pre-cooked and just need to heat through. Homemade meatballs can add an extra-special touch and let you play with your favorite flavors.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes—you can swap in any short pasta, like ziti or rotini, for your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially with thinner or smaller shapes.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Totally! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your meatballs and sauce for hidden gluten. The steps stay the same, but always taste for doneness since gluten-free pastas sometimes cook a bit faster.

What if my pasta is still a little firm after baking?

If the pasta isn’t quite tender when you check it, just add a splash more water, cover the dish back up with foil, and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. It’ll soften right up as it sits in the warm sauce.

Can I add veggies to this casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a cup of chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking, and they’ll perfectly meld into the sauce as everything cooks. It’s a tasty way to sneak extra veggies into your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about an ultra-simple meal that brings everyone to the table happy. Try this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole for cozy nights, potlucks, or whenever you need a delicious solution with minimal effort—it’s comfort food made beautifully easy!

Print