Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This dump and bake meatball casserole is warm, cozy, and very easy to make. You do not need to cook pasta or brown meat. Everything goes into one dish and bakes together. The smell is rich and cheesy, and the top turns golden and bubbly. This is one of those recipes you will want to save for busy nights. It works well for work night dinners and when you need good for a crowd dinners without stress.

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen meatballs, beef or turkey
• 2 cups dry short pasta like penne or rotini
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup water or low sodium broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 half cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 half teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for topping, optional

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking dish so nothing sticks.

2. Add the dry pasta to the baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer so it cooks well.

3. Pour the marinara sauce and water over the pasta. Stir gently so the pasta is mostly covered.

4. Place the frozen meatballs on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over everything.

5. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes so the pasta can soften.

6. Remove the foil and stir gently. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

7. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes until the cheese melts and looks golden and bubbly.

8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle parsley on top if you like, then serve warm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Do not forget to cover the dish at first. The pasta needs steam to cook.
• Do not skip the liquid. Dry pasta needs enough sauce to soften.
• Do not overbake at the end. Too much heat can dry out the meatballs.

Tips For Success

Use a deep baking dish so nothing spills. If your sauce is very thick, add a little more water. This recipe is great for cheap dinners for a crowd because frozen meatballs are budget friendly. You can double the recipe easily for pot luck meals easy enough to travel.

How To Serve

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables. For a fun dinner spread, add another casserole like this creamy hamburger rice casserole or this cheesy ground beef potato casserole. These ideas work well for birthday dinners ideas or Friday night supper ideas.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Add sliced olives or mushrooms for extra texture.
• Stir in a handful of spinach before baking for color.
• Use spicy marinara for a little heat.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can assemble this dump and bake meatball casserole up to one day ahead. Cover and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready and add 5 extra minutes if cold. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This easy dump and bake meatball casserole is cheesy cozy and perfect for busy nights Just mix pasta sauce and meatballs in one dish bake and enjoy a warm tasty meal the whole family will love

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen meatballs beef or turkey
• 2 cups dry short pasta like penne or rotini
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup water or low sodium broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for topping, optional

Equipment

• Large Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Add the dry pasta to the baking dish and spread evenly.
3. Pour the marinara sauce and water over the pasta. Stir gently to coat.
4. Place the frozen meatballs on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Remove foil and stir gently. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use a deep baking dish to avoid overflow. Add a bit more water if your marinara sauce is very thick. This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to double, and perfect for potlucks or make-ahead meals.

Easy Meal Planning Ideas

This dish fits right into easy group dinner recipes because it is simple and filling. If you need variety, plan a meatless night with no meat supper ideas like a veggie bake, then use this casserole on busy days. For summer gatherings, pair it with salads instead of easy summer grilling recipes dinners. It is also great alongside dishes like this easy low carb taco casserole or a bold bake like this Reuben bake recipe.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of dry pasta?
Yes, but reduce the liquid by half. Dry pasta works best for true dump and bake ease.

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes. Skip the cheese or use a dairy free option. The casserole will still be saucy and filling.

What meatballs work best?
Frozen beef or turkey meatballs work well. Choose plain ones so the sauce flavor shines.

Conclusion

This dump and bake meatball casserole is simple, comforting, and perfect for busy nights. It feeds a crowd and uses easy pantry items. If you love stress free dinners, save this recipe and share it on Pinterest so you can find it again when you need it.