Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce baked together and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it combines hearty flavors and cheesy goodness in an effortless casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 500 grams (1 lb) frozen meatballs
Sauce and Pasta
- 500 grams (about 4 cups) marinara sauce
- 250 grams (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed
Cheese and Garnish
- 300 grams (about 3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Layer Meatballs: Spread the frozen meatballs evenly in a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) to create an even base layer for the casserole.
- Add Pasta: Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the layer of meatballs to ensure it cooks properly under the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add water if needed to achieve a consistency that will adequately cook the pasta during baking. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and pasta in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake First Phase: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has a golden brown color.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of water in the sauce to ensure the pasta cooks through without drying out the casserole.
- Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
- Feel free to substitute different types of pasta if desired, but consider cooking time adjustments.
- Covering with foil ensures even cooking and prevents the top from drying out during the initial bake.
- Letting the casserole rest helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
