Looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal for any occasion? Look no further than this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole! With its savory flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of meatballs, pasta, and cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time.

Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of this casserole ahead of time for a convenient meal option throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Frozen meatballs: These pre-made meatballs save time and add a delicious flavor to the dish.
Pasta sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought pasta sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.

Uncooked pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well in this recipe, but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: These cheeses add a gooey, cheesy layer to the casserole.
Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven and gather all the ingredients.
In a large baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheeses over the casserole, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.

Make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on the dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, use uncooked pasta and ensure there is enough liquid in the dish.

Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for a crunchy topping.
Mix in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, fresh meatballs will work just as well in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of pasta sauce? Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different flavors of pasta sauce.

Can I freeze this casserole before baking? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it for later use. Just be sure to thaw before baking.

Conclusion:

Try this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any creative variations you come up with!

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

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Author: Emily

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins

Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple and delicious one-pan meal that requires minimal prep work. Just combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, uncooked pasta, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound frozen meatballs
1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 cup water

2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional:

fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Combine: In a baking dish, mix the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta.

Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
Top: Remove foil, sprinkle with cheeses, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
You can customize the cheese blend by adding different varieties like cheddar or provolone.