Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: An Easy Family Favorite

Looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner that pleases everyone at the table? This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a weeknight hero. With just a handful of ingredients and zero need to boil pasta ahead of time, this cheesy, saucy, and comforting casserole is the perfect solution for busy families, lazy Sundays, or cozy meal prepping.

❤️ Love easy comfort food recipes? Don’t miss our Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole and Mini Meatloaf Muffins!

 Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

• Truly “dump and bake” – No stovetop cooking required.

• Family-friendly – Kids love it, and adults do too.

• Minimal cleanup – All in one baking dish.

• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

• Customizable – Use your favorite meatballs, pasta, or sauce.

 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this stress-free meatball casserole:

• 1 (12 oz) box of uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work great)

• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce

• 3 cups water

• 1 lb frozen fully-cooked meatballs (or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins: diced onions, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a splash of cream for richness.

 Instructions: How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Dump Ingredients into the Dish

Add the dry pasta, marinara sauce, and water directly into the dish. Stir to combine.

3. Add the Meatballs

Evenly distribute the frozen (or fresh, pre-cooked) meatballs over the pasta mixture. Do not stir them in—just rest them on top.

4. Cover and Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes.

5. Uncover, Add Cheese, and Bake Again

Remove the foil. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake 10–15 more minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

 Serving Suggestions

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some great sides:

• Creamy Cucumber Salad

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli

• A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot)

 Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun and tasty twists:

 Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking or freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Microwave individual portions or bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overbake: Pasta can become mushy if baked too long. Stick to the timing!

• Use quality sauce: Your dish is only as good as the marinara you choose.

• Check pasta doneness: If it’s still a bit firm after 35 minutes, bake uncovered a few more minutes before adding cheese.

• Customize seasoning: A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs can elevate store-bought sauce.

 Recommended Brands

Here are a few ingredients we love that work perfectly in this recipe:

• Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – Deep, rich flavor with clean ingredients.

• Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs – Leaner and flavorful.

• Barilla Pasta – Always reliable in bake-and-go casseroles.

Find them at your local grocery store or online on AllRecipes’ Pantry Picks.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 720mg

Note: Values will vary based on pasta type, sauce brand, and meatball choice.

 Related Recipes You’ll Love

Ready for more dump-and-bake magic? Check these out:

• Baked Fried Chicken – Crispy outside, tender inside.

• Sausage Hashbrown Casserole – Breakfast or dinner perfection.

• Four Ingredient Nougat Bars – A quick, sweet treat.

 What Others Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This casserole saved me on a weeknight when I had zero time to cook. Dump, bake, and delicious!” – Amanda C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used turkey meatballs and added spinach. My picky kids devoured it.” – Melissa D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This one’s going into the regular dinner rotation. Thanks for the easy recipe!” – Tony R.

 Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the epitome of easy comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just need a cozy night in, this dish delivers satisfaction with minimal effort.