Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a fuss-free, hearty dish packed with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs: 1 bag (24 ounces)
- Pasta (penne or ziti): 3 cups uncooked
- Marinara Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces)
- Water or Low-Sodium Broth: 3 cups
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the covered dish on the oven’s center rack.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35 minutes, uncover, stir, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Letting the dish rest helps it set and enhances flavor.
- Substitute broth for water for a deeper flavor profile.
- Feel free to add in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: dump and bake, meatball casserole, easy casserole, one-dish dinner, comfort food