Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
A cheesy, cozy, low-effort dinner you’ll actually want on repeat. This dump and bake meatball casserole blends uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and gooey mozzarella into a bubbling, saucy dream. Stir it together in one dish, bake, and prepare for ultimate comfort with minimal effort!
6
servings
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- 1 jar (700 ml) marinara sauce about 24 ounces / 700 ml
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) uncooked rotini or penne pasta about 340g, sturdy shapes work best
- 1 lb (450 g) frozen precooked meatballs about 450g, any variety (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- chopped fresh parsley for serving, optional
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, stir together the water, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Add the uncooked rotini or penne pasta to the baking dish and mix until all noodles are coated in sauce.
- Arrange the frozen meatballs evenly on top, making sure some are nestled partway into the sauce and pasta mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover, carefully stir (without breaking the meatballs), and check the pasta for doneness. If the pasta is still too firm, re-cover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Once pasta is al dente, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe is endlessly flexible—swap cheese blends, add veggies, or use your favorite jarred sauce. For best results, use sturdy pasta shapes and precooked meatballs. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the casserole can be assembled ahead for even easier weeknights.
Nutrition
Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1130mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 4mg