Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Busy weeknights call for easy, no-fuss meals that the whole family will love. That’s where this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole comes in! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish ready to serve in no time.
The best part? No boiling the pasta beforehand—everything cooks together in one dish for ultimate convenience and less cleanup. Whether you’re feeding kids after school or pulling together a last-minute dinner, this casserole is sure to be a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or ziti)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Assemble the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce. - Season It Up
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. - Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. - Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. - Final Bake
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Finish and Serve
For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-dish wonder – Fewer dishes, less hassle.
- Kid-friendly – Pasta + meatballs + cheese? Always a hit.
- Customizable – Swap in turkey meatballs, add veggies, or use your favorite pasta shape.
- Make-ahead option – Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready.