Have you ever had one of those days when you just want a hearty meal without all the fuss? That’s where my *dump and bake meatball casserole* comes in! This recipe is a lifesaver, combining frozen meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness into one easy dish. I love that it requires almost no prep—just dump everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I have friends over and want to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this cozy, comforting casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (any type you like!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Make sure to grab those frozen meatballs—this recipe is all about convenience! The marinara sauce brings a rich, tangy flavor, while the combination of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gives that beautifully gooey, cheesy topping. You can use any cooked pasta you have on hand, too, which makes it super versatile. Just imagine all those flavors melding together in one delicious casserole!
How to Prepare Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps cook everything evenly and gets that cheesy topping nice and bubbly. Trust me, you want that golden goodness!
Combine Ingredients
Grab a large baking dish and start by dumping in those frozen meatballs. Pour the marinara sauce all over the meatballs. Give it a good stir so that each meatball is coated in that rich sauce. It’s such an easy step, and you’ll already start to smell the deliciousness wafting through your kitchen!
Add Pasta and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add in your cooked pasta. I usually like to use whatever I have on hand—penne, rotini, you name it! Toss in the pasta along with the Italian seasoning, and mix everything together well. This is where the magic really starts to happen as all those flavors blend together!
Add Cheese Toppings
Next up, let’s get cheesy! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s what makes this casserole ooey-gooey and irresistible!
Bake the Casserole
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s so hard to resist peeking inside—just a little patience!
Cool before Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting it cool helps everything set perfectly. You’ll end up with a slice that holds together beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just dump and bake!
- A hearty, filling meal that satisfies the whole family.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flexible ingredients—use your favorite pasta or add veggies.
- Cheesy, savory goodness that everyone will love!
This *dump and bake meatball casserole* truly checks all the boxes for a cozy dinner. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again!
Tips for Success
To make the most of your *dump and bake meatball casserole*, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step—it really makes a difference in how evenly everything cooks. If you want a bit more flavor, try adding garlic powder or chopped onions with the meatballs. For extra creaminess, you can stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese before adding the mozzarella. And remember, if you like a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of this *dump and bake meatball casserole*. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 8g
This casserole not only fills you up but also offers a nice balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy your delicious and hearty dish without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You can use fresh meatballs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since fresh meatballs may require a little longer to heat through. Keep an eye on them while baking!
What type of pasta works best?
You can use any pasta you have on hand! I love using penne or rotini for this casserole because their shapes hold the sauce so well. Just make sure it’s cooked beforehand to keep everything at the right texture.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrition, making your casserole even heartier!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through—it’s just as tasty the next day!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *dump and bake meatball casserole* is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers later in the week.
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep that cheesy goodness nice and melty!
Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry after reheating; you can always add a splash of marinara sauce before serving to bring back that saucy flavor. Enjoy your comforting casserole again and again!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: 5 Minutes to Heaven
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and hearty dump and bake meatball casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs and marinara sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh meatballs if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: dump and bake meatball casserole
