Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole This recipe takes the stress out of mealtime by combining all the ingredients in one dish and letting the oven do the work. With savory meatballs, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a cozy meal, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, dump them in the dish, and let’s bake up some deliciousness!

Say goodbye to complicated dinners and hello to easy comfort food with our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without all the fuss. Just layer your ingredients in a casserole dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. In no time, you’ll be rewarded with a bubbling hot dish of cheesy goodness that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your meal with family and friends.

Resume of the recipe:

Simplify your dinner routine with our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole—a one-dish wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, including frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. And with its customizable ingredients, you can easily tailor this casserole to suit your family’s tastes, whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or a spicy twist. So why spend hours in the kitchen when you can have dinner on the table in no time with this easy and flavorful dish?

Exciting Story:

In our household, weeknights are all about simplicity and convenience—especially when it comes to dinner time. That’s why our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole has become a regular feature on our menu rotation. With its effortless prep and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when we need a satisfying meal without the stress of cooking. Plus, with its hearty combination of meatballs, pasta, and cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always leaves everyone asking for seconds. So if you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that’s big on flavor and low on effort, look no further than our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole!

Why This ‘Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole’:

• Effortless Preparation: Our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole requires minimal prep work—all you have to do is layer the ingredients in a dish and let the oven do the rest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
• Customizable Ingredients: With its simple list of ingredients, this recipe is easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes. Add your favorite seasonings, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own!
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters of all ages will love this casserole’s hearty combination of meatballs, pasta, and cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the toughest critics.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks together in one dish, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal with loved ones.

Selling Points:

Why This ‘Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole’

Underneath the title, write the selling points of the recipe. Explain what makes it unique, what ingredients are used, and what flavors to expect.

What i need to make Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• 1 lb frozen meatballs, thawed
• 1 lb uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer the thawed meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water or chicken broth. Stir gently to combine and ensure that the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, then slice and serve hot.

Tips For Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

• Thaw Meatballs: Make sure to thaw the frozen meatballs before using them in the recipe to ensure even cooking.
• Use Your Favorite Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce in this recipe, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. You can also add extra seasonings or spices to the sauce for added flavor.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole before baking.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

• Different Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like in this recipe, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or shells. Just adjust the baking time accordingly based on the pasta shape you choose.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping the casserole, such as cheddar, provolone, or asiago, for a unique flavor profile.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

• Leaner Meatballs: Use lean turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content and make the dish slightly healthier.

“And there you have it—a deliciously simple dinner solution with our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether enjoyed on busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this hearty and satisfying dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So why wait? Give it a try tonight and enjoy a stress-free meal that’s big on flavor and low on effort!”

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Can I use a different type of cheese for topping the casserole? Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are classic choices, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply layer them with the other ingredients before baking.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking? The casserole is done when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You can also use a fork to test the tenderness of the pasta.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)

• 3 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• In the heart of our culinary journey, let’s dive into creating Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole—a recipe that promises effortless comfort in one pan.
• Prepare the Meatballs:
• In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in a large baking dish.
• Add Pasta and Sauce:
• Scatter the uncooked pasta around and among the meatballs in the baking dish.
• Pour marinara sauce and water over the meatballs and pasta, ensuring everything is well-covered.
• Bake to Perfection:
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven according to pasta package instructions.
• Uncover, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the casserole, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish and Serve:
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting blend of meatballs, pasta, and melted cheese.