Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Introduction

Craving a hearty, no-fuss meal that tastes like you slaved away for hours? This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the weeknight hero you’ve been searching for. Just layer your ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let dinner basically make itself. It’s brimming with savory Italian flavors, bubbling cheese, and juicy meatballs—perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping family dinners simple but delicious.

The Appeal of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

What sets this casserole apart is its ease and versatility. There’s virtually no prep work, no extra pans to clean, and the flavors meld beautifully as everything bakes together. Tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned meatballs make each mouthful taste like classic comfort food, while the gooey melted cheese on top leaves everyone reaching for seconds.

Effortless Prep for a Delicious Result

In this recipe, you’ll simply “dump” uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and sauce into a dish—then “bake” for delicious results. For streamlined ingredient chopping, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make quick work of onions or veggies if you want to add them in. No need to cook noodles on the stove or brown meatballs in a pan—everything cooks together, absorbing maximum flavor and saving precious time.

Tips for the Best Casserole

– Use sturdy, oven-safe bakeware and line the dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless cleanup.
– If you love extra cheese, shred your own using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for fresh, even cheese shreds that melt beautifully.
– For reheating leftovers, an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt is excellent for crisping up cheesy edges without drying out the casserole.

Serving Ideas and Storage Tips

Serve your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole straight from the oven, with a crisp green salad and warm bread. Leftovers store well in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—perfect for enjoying every last bite throughout the week. This meal is ideal for meal prepping or potlucks, and can be made ahead by assembling in the baking dish and refrigerating until ready to bake.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This casserole yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving contains roughly 450–500 calories (depending on cheese and sauce quantities used), along with protein, calcium, and essential carbs for satisfying comfort.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easier cleanup.
2. In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth or water. Mix well to coat the pasta.
3. Scatter the frozen meatballs evenly over the pasta mixture. Stir in any optional veggies like onions or bell peppers—quickly diced with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for faster prep.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
5. Uncover, stir the pasta, and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
6. Let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve directly from the casserole dish or portion into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole (Recap)

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate blend of speed, flavor, and comfort. Minimal prep, one dish, and mouthwatering results every time make this recipe a must for busy nights or casual entertaining. Try it tonight—and enjoy the applause with almost no effort!