If you’re looking for a fuss-free, cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is exactly what you need in your recipe rotation. This dish brings together the juiciest frozen meatballs, a rich and tangy pasta sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked together in one glorious casserole. The magic lies in its simplicity—just dump the ingredients, bake, and come back to a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy hungry appetites with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and comforting textures. These simple staples come together to form a dish that’s both hearty and approachable, making it an ideal choice for any night of the week.

1 pound frozen meatballs: Convenient and flavorful, frozen meatballs save prep time while delivering juicy bites throughout the casserole.

1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce: A robust tomato-based sauce adds tang, sweetness, and a lovely base for the pasta and meatballs to simmer in.
1 cup water: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly right in the casserole without drying out the dish.

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni): These tube-shaped pastas hold the sauce inside, ensuring every bite is saucy and satisfying.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that classic stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that elevates the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A burst of color and fresh herbaceousness that brightens every mouthful.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F. Preheating ensures the casserole cooks evenly, allowing the pasta to soften perfectly as the meatballs warm through.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish

Grab a roomy casserole dish and simply add the frozen meatballs, pour over the pasta sauce, and the water to help cook the pasta right in the dish. Now sprinkle in the uncooked pasta and give everything a gentle mix to make sure it’s evenly distributed—no need to thaw those meatballs first or boil the pasta separately!

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook through, absorbing all the saucy flavors and the meatballs will slowly heat, becoming tender and juicy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered

After the initial baking, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that invites you to dive right in.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this heartwarming Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole straight from the dish for a comforting meal everyone will love.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley isn’t just for looks—they bring a lively herbal note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meatballs. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add exciting layers to the dish’s flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the hearty richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, turning this family favorite into a personalized, restaurant-style presentation. You can also sprinkle additional cheese and broil for a few minutes for an extra crispy cheesy top that will have everyone tasting seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen, making the next meal even better.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quick heat-up, but baking ensures the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs can add a homemade touch, just make sure they’re fully cooked before baking with the casserole to ensure safety and the right texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the casserole—avoid very thin pastas as they may overcook.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant meatballs to keep that comforting vibe.

Can I prepare this recipe entirely in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just add the extra baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?

The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite after the initial covered baking. The sauce and cheese baking uncovered will finish cooking the pasta and develop the casserole’s signature bubbly top.

Final Thoughts

The Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is truly one of those comforting dishes that brings people together with its effortless prep and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole promises a tasty, satisfying meal with hardly any hassle. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy meatballs!

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, delicious one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, and uncooked pasta, it requires minimal prep and bakes into a comforting, cheesy casserole topped with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Sauce

1 pound frozen meatballs

1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 cup water

Pasta

2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

Cheese and Garnish

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, add the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat completely.

Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

You can use any shape of pasta you like, but penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce.
If using fresh meatballs, pre-cook them before combining the ingredients.
For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Fresh herbs add color and freshness when serving but are optional.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350

Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g

Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: meatball casserole, baked meatballs, easy casserole, one dish meal, pasta bake, comfort food