Discover the ultimate convenience in home cooking with our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect blend of comfort food and quick weeknight dinner solutions. Featuring frozen meatballs and uncooked pasta, this casserole simplifies meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy families and those seeking hassle-free cooking options. With ingredients like savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe promises a delicious, hearty meal that’s both time-saving and budget-friendly. Dive into this crowd-pleaser that’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, offering a delightful mix of flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients:
- Frozen Meatballs: 1 bag (about 26 ounces)
- Pasta: 1 bag (16 ounces) of uncooked pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
- Marinara Sauce: 2 jars (about 24 ounces each)
- Water: 3 cups
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Ensure that the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Put the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your easy and tasty dump and bake meatball casserole!
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.