Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
A no-fuss, all-in-one casserole featuring uncooked pasta, juicy meatballs, and rich marinara, topped with melted mozzarella—a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish straight from oven to table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
16 oz (about 4 cups) uncooked rotini (or penne, ziti, etc.)
24 oz jar marinara sauce
3 cups water (or chicken/beef stock for richer flavor)
14–24 oz package fully cooked meatballs, thawed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Kosher salt, to taste
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Optional: chopped basil or parsley
Optional: Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a greased 9×13″ dish, add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or stock, thawed meatballs, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through. Pasta should be al dente.
- Remove foil, stir gently, then top with mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Bake uncovered for another 5–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optionally broil for a golden top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use any short pasta shape like penne, ziti, fusilli, or elbows.
Try alternative sauces like Alfredo or vodka sauce.
Boost nutrition with added vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Mix in ricotta or layer with provolone for added richness.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole/
