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
