Ultimate Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the aroma of a bubbling dump and bake meatball casserole wafting through your home. Picture this: tender meatballs nestled in a sea of gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce, all topped with a sprinkle of herbs that beckon you closer. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, even if you’re just in your pajamas on a Tuesday night.

Now, imagine serving this dish at a family gathering. Everyone gathers around, eyes wide with anticipation as they inhale the savory scents filling the kitchen. You proudly dish out portions, and suddenly, there’s silence—everyone is too busy savoring each bite. This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that creates memories, laughter, and perhaps a few playful food fights over who gets the last meatball.

My first encounter with this delightful casserole was during a chilly winter evening at my friend’s potluck. As I dug into my heaping portion, I received nods of approval from my friends around me—a moment I’ll never forget.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Frozen Meatballs: Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs for convenience without sacrificing taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade marinara for authentic Italian flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan offers creamy goodness that melts beautifully.

• Pasta: Uncooked pasta such as penne or rotini works perfectly for absorbing flavors.

• Seasonings: Dried oregano and basil add depth; fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Layer the Ingredients: Start by evenly spreading the uncooked pasta across the bottom of your baking dish. This forms the base that will soak up all those delicious sauces later.

Add Meatballs and Sauce: Place frozen meatballs on top of the pasta in an orderly fashion—think art class meets dinner prep. Pour marinara sauce over everything generously until everything feels cozy.

Sprinkle Seasonings and Cheese: Dust dried oregano and basil across the top like you’re casting flavorful magic over your creation. Then finish by showering shredded cheese over the entire casserole—because who doesn’t love cheese?

Cover and Bake: Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in while baking for about 45 minutes until pasta is tender. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes for that golden-brown cheesy top!

Let it cool slightly before serving—trust me; patience is key here as you’ll want those flavors to meld perfectly.

This dump and bake meatball casserole is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation or at gatherings when you want something comforting yet impressive! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family and friends alike!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make your dump and bake meatball casserole shine, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, gather all your ingredients to streamline the process. Combine everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the magic for about 45 minutes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the meatballs for turkey or veggie options. You can also mix in different cheeses or vegetables like spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Don’t be shy; get creative!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Cooking this dump and bake meatball casserole always brings back memories of family game nights, where laughter filled the room as we dug into this delicious dish.

FAQ

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

What sides pair well with this casserole?

Garlic bread or a fresh garden salad complements this comforting casserole nicely.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to adapt this recipe easily.

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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this dump and bake meatball casserole. Tender meatballs are enveloped in rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and bring loved ones together around the table. Experience the joy of effortless cooking while creating delicious memories!

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread uncooked penne pasta at the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Arrange frozen meatballs on top of the pasta, then pour marinara sauce over the entire dish.
4. Sprinkle dried oregano and basil evenly, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 55mg