Description
A simple and hearty Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole featuring frozen meatballs, pasta, and cheese all cooked together in one dish for an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, place the frozen meatballs, then pour in the pasta sauce and water. Add the uncooked pasta and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and the meatballs to heat through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade or fresh meatballs if preferred.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the pasta sauce before baking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to thicken before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups, just use a bigger casserole dish and increase baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump-and-bake, easy dinner, pasta casserole, baked meatballs, weeknight meal
