The Easiest Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners call for simple yet delicious solutions like this dump and bake meatball casserole that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Packed with hearty ingredients, this one-pan wonder delivers comfort in every bite.

Tender meatballs nestle among perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

The sauce bubbles with rich, savory notes that bring everyone to the table eagerly.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of meaty goodness and cheesy satisfaction.

Quick preparation means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Families will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – Crowd Pleaser

• Toss ingredients directly into a baking dish without pre-cooking pasta or browning meatballs, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
• Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort and delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors everyone loves.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-dish recipe that combines protein, carbs, and cheese in one delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole.
• Packed with familiar ingredients like pasta, sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.

Meatball Casserole – Ingredient Essentials

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the sauce and provides a satisfying texture to the casserole.
• Meatballs: Protein-packed bites that add rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Pasta Sauce: A flavorful liquid that coats the pasta and meatballs with delicious seasoning.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy topping that melts beautifully and adds a golden, gooey finish.
• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the right moisture level in the casserole.

• Salt: A simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Must-Have Tools for Meatball Casserole

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for mixing and baking the entire casserole.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to trap moisture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir pasta during cooking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate water and sauce measurements.
• Cheese grater (optional): If using freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Bringing Meatball Casserole Together

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious meal that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Create The Casserole Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Water
• Frozen meatballs

Sprinkle a bit of salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: First Baking Round

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, letting the pasta and meatballs start their cooking journey.

Step 4: Check Pasta Texture

Carefully remove the dish and give everything a gentle stir.

Taste a piece of pasta to see if it’s reached that perfect al dente stage.

If it needs more time, continue baking until the pasta is just right.

Step 5: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a blanket of melty goodness.

Step 6: Final Baking Moment

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly layer that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Meatball Casserole – Kitchen Shortcuts

• Choose a short pasta like penne or rotini that holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the casserole.
• Add extra water or sauce if pasta seems dry during initial baking to ensure perfect moisture and prevent burning.
• Broil the final cheese layer for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly, and perfectly melted cheese topping.
• Use homemade or store-bought meatballs; beef, turkey, or plant-based options work great for different dietary preferences.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal solution.

Meatball Casserole – Try These Variations

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace traditional meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese to give the casserole a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that's still hearty and satisfying.

Serving Meatball Casserole Family-Style

• Dinner Plate Partner: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole flavors.
• Bread Buddy: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls complement the pasta and meatball combination perfectly, helping soak up extra sauce.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note and make the dish look more appetizing.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the savory tomato and meat flavors.

Storage Advice for Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, storing up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat 1-2 minutes until steaming hot, stirring halfway through.
• Warm refrigerated casserole in 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of water to prevent drying out, then uncover last 5 minutes to restore cheese's melty texture.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade meatballs work great. Just ensure they’re pre-cooked or fully thawed before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! This casserole reheats well and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Perfect for busy weeknights.

• What type of pasta works best?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal. They cook evenly and hold sauce well in this dump-and-bake style recipe.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta option. Everything else in the recipe remains the same.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole delivers comfort on a plate with minimal kitchen effort. Simple ingredients combine for a delicious family meal that satisfies with rich flavors and easy preparation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini pasta, uncooked
• 14 ounces (397 grams) cocktail-size meatballs, fully cooked
• 24–25 ounces (680–709 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Liquid and Garnish:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) water
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for a quick and easy meal preparation.
2. Pour uncooked pasta directly into the baking dish, adding marinara sauce and water, then gently nestle frozen meatballs throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt across the surface to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
4. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will help cook the pasta and meatballs evenly.
5. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and become tender.
6. Carefully remove the foil and stir the contents, checking the pasta’s texture to ensure it has reached the desired al dente consistency.
7. If the pasta needs additional cooking time, return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes.
8. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives for personalized flavor and dietary needs.
• Control sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt.
• Ensure pasta cooks evenly by stirring halfway through baking and checking liquid absorption.
• Customize with additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg