The Lazy Chef’s Dream: Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this dump and bake meatball casserole that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Packed with hearty ingredients and simple preparation, this dish comes together in minutes.

Busy parents and hungry families will adore how quickly it lands on the table.

No complicated steps or endless chopping required – just toss everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work.

The combination of tender meatballs, pasta, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal everyone will devour.

Cheesy, satisfying, and minimal cleanup make this recipe a weeknight winner that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Simple and Satisfying Meatball Bake Night

• Simplify Meal Prep: One-dish wonder that eliminates multiple cooking steps, allowing you to dump ingredients and let the oven do the hard work without complicated preparation.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and classic flavors that children love, making it a perfect family dinner that satisfies picky eaters and hungry adults alike.
• Minimal Clean-Up Magic: Uses a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing, which means more relaxation after enjoying a delicious meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe that welcomes variations like swapping meatballs, trying different pasta types, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch.

What Goes Into Meatball Casserole

• Pasta: A hearty base that cooks directly in the sauce for a convenient one-dish meal.
• Meatballs: Pre-made protein that adds robust flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that provides rich, tangy moisture to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, creamy cheeses that create a golden, gooey topping.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle herbal note.

• Water, Broth: Additional liquid that helps cook the pasta and create a saucy consistency.

Instructions for Meatball Casserole Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F, ensuring it’s fully heated before baking.

Step 2: Create One-Dish Flavor Explosion

• Uncooked pasta
• Frozen meatballs
• Marinara sauce
• Water or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until well combined, making sure each ingredient gets coated with saucy goodness.

Step 3: Cover and Initial Bake

Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, preventing moisture from escaping.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Final Bake and Melt

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Watch for that perfect golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Serve hot and savor the comforting, easy-to-make meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Juicy Meatball Casserole

• Stir ingredients thoroughly before covering to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from clumping together.
• Use pre-cooked or homemade meatballs for better flavor and texture in the casserole.
• Add precise amount of water or broth to prevent dry pasta or overly soupy consistency.
• Watch closely during final uncovered baking to achieve perfect golden, bubbly cheese without burning.
• Experiment with different marinara sauces or add red pepper flakes for extra kick and personalization.

Twists and Ideas for Meatball Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini, and use gluten-free meatballs. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water for enhanced flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use low-carb meatballs and reduce marinara sauce quantity to minimize carbohydrate content.

Serving Up Meatball Casserole Warm

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
• Fresh Garden Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and light balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced dinner.
• Veggie Side Kick: Roast some broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and garlic as a nutritious vegetable side that complements the rich meatball flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the Italian-inspired dish's robust taste profile.

Meatball Casserole Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and textures.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum taste preservation when properly sealed.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F. Add splash of water to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even heating and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade meatballs work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they’re pre-cooked or have a similar size to frozen meatballs for consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and parmesan cheese?

While both cheeses add great flavor, you can use just one type if that’s what you have. Mozzarella provides melty texture, and parmesan adds a sharp, savory taste.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Even using just one or two of these herbs will still give your casserole delicious flavor.

Lazy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty dump and bake meatball casserole delivers comfort on a plate with minimal kitchen effort. Pasta, marinara, and juicy meatballs meld into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 24 meatballs (frozen or homemade)

Starches:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) short pasta (penne, ziti, rotini)

Sauces and Cheese:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Layer uncooked pasta across the bottom of the dish, ensuring even distribution.
3. Arrange frozen meatballs directly over the pasta in a single uniform layer.
4. Pour marinara sauce evenly across the meatballs and pasta, coating all surfaces thoroughly.
5. Add water or broth carefully around the edges of the dish to help pasta cook evenly.
6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the entire casserole surface.
7. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
8. Bake covered for 35 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and cook completely.
9. Remove foil and gently stir the casserole to redistribute sauce and prevent sticking.
10. Generously top the casserole with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, covering most of the surface.
11. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
12. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow sauce to set.
13. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean meatballs to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta without compromising flavor.
• Try different cheese blends like provolone or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra kick and personalization.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator to create a quick weeknight meal that saves precious cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 417 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg