Dump Bake Meatball Casserole

Name: Dump Bake Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 24 ounce frozen meatballs (fully cooked); 24 ounce marinara sauce (any preferred brand); 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more to taste); 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, feeling utterly uninspired, and the thought of another complicated recipe makes you want to hide under the covers? This Dump Bake Meatball Casserole is your knight in shining armor. Seriously. It’s even easier than ordering takeout, and a million times more satisfying. If you love a good lasagna, but the layers and ricotta situation feels a little too ambitious for a Tuesday, then get ready to meet your new best friend – because this meatball casserole is all the comforting flavors you crave, with practically zero effort. And yes, that means even *I* can make it after a long day!

What is dump bake meatball casserole?

Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna, but instead of carefully layering everything, you’re pretty much just “dumping” the ingredients into a baking dish. It’s essentially pasta tossed with a creamy, cheesy sauce, juicy meatballs, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. The beauty of this dump bake meatball casserole is in its simplicity. There’s no pre-cooking the pasta, no fussy layering – just toss, bake, and enjoy! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. I swear, it’s like magic, and it all happens in one dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Need I say more?

Why do I love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get the rich, savory taste of meatballs simmering in a tomato-based sauce, combined with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a perfectly baked casserole. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. What I love most about this is how easy it is. Seriously, the prep time is minimal. You can throw everything together in about 10 minutes, pop it in the oven, and walk away. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! This dump bake meatball casserole uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and freezer. You can easily feed a family of four (or more!) without breaking the bank. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create a dish that’s uniquely your own. Craving something similar? Try my Lazy Day Lasagna Skillet – same concept, but on the stovetop! But honestly, this dump bake wins for sheer ease.

How do I make dump bake meatball casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this dump bake meatball casserole is as easy as 1-2-3! Simply combine uncooked pasta, your favorite marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, some creamy elements, and cheese in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until the pasta is tender. Remove the foil, add a sprinkle of extra cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. It’s truly that simple! The real secret here is the perfect ratio of liquid to pasta, ensuring everything cooks evenly without being too soupy or too dry. Trust me, this method is foolproof.

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole:
* 1 pound uncooked pasta (I love using rotini, penne, or farfalle – anything with ridges to grab the sauce!)
* 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (Use your favorite! I often use a store-bought brand, but sometimes make my own on Sunday to freeze for later.)
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 ½ cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (Don’t knock it ’til you try it! It adds a creamy richness, but you can also substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery.)
* 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (optional, but highly recommended for that classic lasagna feel)
* 1 pound frozen meatballs (I prefer Italian-style, but use whatever you like!)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For the Cheese Topping:
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese * 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How do I get step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. I always line my baking dish with foil too, with enough overhang to easily lift the casserole out of the oven. I use a foil lined baking sheet. What are some shortcuts to clean up after baking?

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the cheese and pepper to taste. Cream of mushroom soup, ricotta cheese (if using), frozen meatballs, Italian seasoning, garlic. What are some examples of red pepper flakes and pepper powder? Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for steaming the pasta and ensuring it cooks evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pasta is almost tender. How long does it take for pasta to cook? How long does it take to complete

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny. What is the best way to top fresh basil?

What should I serve it with?

This dump bake meatball casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of sides. For a simple side, try a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will help balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread is another classic pairing – perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, try serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. My family loves it with a side of steamed Green Beans. For special occasions, I sometimes make a simple caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – it’s always a hit! It’s also great served with a glass of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio.

How do I make a Dump Bake Meatball Casserole?

How do I take dump bake meatball casserole to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Pasta Choice Matters: What areI find that short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne or farfalle work best in this recipe. They hold their shape well during baking and have plenty of ridges to grab onto the sauce. Avoid using delicate pasta shapes like angel hair or thin spaghetti, as they can become mushy.Don’t overcook pasta! Be sure to check the pasta for doneness around the 40-minute mark. You want it to be almost tender, but still slightly firm. It will continue to cook as the cheese melts and browns. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy casserole.
* Customize the Sauce: If you wantFeel free to get creative with the sauce! Add your favorite vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Stir in a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. *Meatball VariationsI typically use frozen Italian-style meatballs for convenience, but you can also use homemade. Is it possible to substitute meatballs for Ground Beef? Just be sure to cook the meat before adding it to the casserole.Cheese, please!Don’t skimp on cheese! What makes this casserole so good? What’s a good cheese to serve with provolone or fontina?Let It Rest:As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, it’s important to let the casserole rest for at least a few hours. 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Plus, it prevents you from burning your mouth! Learned that the hard way, trust me

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This dump bake meatball casserole is perfect for making ahead of time or enjoying as leftovers. How do I store it and reheat it?Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it’s warm.Refrigerator Storage: WhatLet the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to a cooling rack. What is an airtight container? What is the best way to store a frozen fruit in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?How do I useFor longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Can you freeze for up to 3 months?Reheating InstructionsTo reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover a baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. How do you cover a dish to prevent splattering?

What are some frequently asked questions?

How can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. There are some great gluten-free pasta brands out there now that hold up really well in baking. I’ve had success with both brown rice pasta and corn-based pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster than regular pasta.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

Nope! If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a can of condensed tomato soup. You can also make your own creamy sauce by whisking together milk, flour, and butter on the stovetop. I’ve even used a combination of sour cream and cream cheese for an extra tangy flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the meatballs and add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. You can also use vegetarian meatballs or plant-based sausage. I like to add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and fiber.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this casserole. Diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach all work well. I recommend sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor.

Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella in this casserole. However, keep in mind that fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content than shredded mozzarella, so it may make the casserole a little more watery. To prevent this, I recommend patting the fresh mozzarella dry with paper towels before adding it to the casserole. You can also tear it into smaller pieces to help it melt more evenly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for the easiest, most delicious weeknight dinner ever! This dump bake meatball casserole is a lifesaver on busy days, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. I hope you love it as much as my family does! If you’re looking for more easy Casserole Recipes, be sure to check out my Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your dump bake meatball casserole turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!

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