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Easy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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This Easy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a weeknight secret weapon—one dish, minimal effort, and it tastes like you simmered sauce all afternoon. Perfect for busy nights when you need comfort without the chaos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24–30 ounces frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian-style)
  • 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
  • 12 ounces dried pasta (rigatoni or penne)
  • 1 ½ cups water or beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle position.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Spread the uncooked pasta in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta and stir gently to coat every piece. The liquid should just about cover the pasta; add a splash more broth or water if needed.
  5. Nestle the frozen meatballs into the pasta and sauce, distributing them evenly.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes.
  8. Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not thaw the meatballs before baking. The foil is essential for even cooking. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that meatballs and sauce are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: dump-and-bake casserole, meatball casserole, easy weeknight dinner, frozen meatballs, one-dish meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe/