Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the dump and bake your way to a fantastic meatball casserole! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want something hearty and delicious. I love how you can literally just toss everything into a baking dish and pop it in the oven—no complicated prep, just pure comfort food magic. The rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender meatballs come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s super customizable! I have fond memories of making this with my kids, who always help sprinkle the cheese on top. It’s a joyous, family-friendly meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple—just dump and bake, no fuss!
- Quick prep time of only 10 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Comforting flavors that everyone in the family will adore.
- Loaded with gooey cheese and savory meatballs for ultimate satisfaction.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta, sauces, or cheeses.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and just bake when you’re ready!
- Serves a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade for extra love!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (trust me, the gooier, the better!)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (any shape you love—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti works great!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that irresistible cheesy crust on top)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a must for that authentic flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—bringing this meatball casserole to life! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dinner ready in no time. I promise, it’s as simple as it sounds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your casserole cook evenly and get that delightful golden top.
- In a large baking dish, toss in the frozen meatballs. No need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re well-coated. Give it a little stir to combine those flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta right in there, and mix everything together gently. You want all those tasty bits to mingle!
- Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top. Don’t be shy—go for a generous layer!
- Finally, season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for that extra kick of flavor. A little sprinkle goes a long way!
- Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly—wow, just wait until you smell that!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Generally, each serving of this fantastic meatball casserole packs about 350 calories, with around 20 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber per serving. It’s a hearty meal that balances comfort with some decent nutrition! Remember, you can always tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Tips for Success
To make your meatball casserole truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite cheeses—adding a bit of provolone or cheddar can really elevate the flavors. If you like a little crunch, consider topping it with breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful contrast. Also, for a bit of extra depth, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers into the mix. Remember, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together. And if you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this meatball casserole! Try using different types of pasta—like a twisty fusilli or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can switch up the sauce, too; why not give alfredo or pesto a try for a unique flavor twist? For cheese lovers, blending mozzarella with some sharp cheddar or creamy fontina can add a delicious depth of flavor. And don’t forget about adding veggies—spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers can sneak in some extra nutrition and color. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored your delicious meatball casserole, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole back in. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch—just be careful, it can get hot fast!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Absolutely! If you prefer fresh meatballs, just adjust the cooking time. They may need a bit longer in the oven to ensure they’re cooked through.
What type of pasta works best? You can use any pasta you love! I’ve had great success with penne, rotini, and even whole wheat options. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble everything a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
Is this dish gluten-free? It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. It’s a great option for gluten-sensitive friends!
What can I serve with this casserole? A simple side salad or some garlic bread works beautifully to complement the flavors. Enjoy your meal!
Check out this baked ziti recipe for another comforting dish!
Print
Dump and Bake Your Way to a Fantastic Meatball Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious meatball casserole that you can prepare in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs and marinara sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, easy casserole, dump and bake, Italian dish
