Here’s a hearty and incredibly easy meal that requires minimal effort! This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can toss everything into a dish and let the oven do the work. No need to cook the pasta or defrost the meatballs ahead of time—just dump, bake, and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful casserole that the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) frozen meatballs (you can use store-bought or homemade meatballs)
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 can (24 ounces or 680g) pasta sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water
- 1 cup (240ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed above.
- Combine ingredients in a baking dish:
- In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), add the uncooked pasta.
- Place the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Pour the pasta sauce and water over the pasta and meatballs. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce and water.
- In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), add the uncooked pasta.
- Season and mix: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture in the baking dish. Gently stir everything together to ensure the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated with sauce and seasoning.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake: Bake for about 45-50 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook, the meatballs will heat through, and the cheese will melt and become bubbly.
- Check for doneness: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil or lid, and check the pasta for doneness. It should be tender, and the sauce should be absorbed. If the pasta is still too firm, cover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
- Enjoy! Spoon out servings onto plates, and enjoy your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a salad if you like.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort.