Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole caught my attention recently, inspiring me to switch things up in my kitchen. I’ve made quite a few casserole recipes in my time, like Carrot, Parsnip, and Lentil Casserole or Vegan Rice and Bean Casserole, but most of them have been vegetarian. Today, though, I decided to try my hand at making this savory, meaty casserole
Contents
Dump and bake meatball casserole recipe
This dish is one of the easiest and simplest meatball casserole recipes. You can guess it through its name. It’s a “dump and bake” recipe, meaning all the ingredients are simply dumped into a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
This recipe uses frozen meatballs, mixed up with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and some Italian seasoning. Once everything is mixed together, pour it all into a baking dish and pop it into the oven. You can use bow-tie pasta if you like. I prefer the Rotini one.
This casserole is particularly appealing for busy weeknights due to its straightforward method, requiring only a few ingredients that are typically easy to find. This is how to make meatball baked recipe – Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups uncooked pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top, if desired. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if using, before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
To elevate the flavor profile of your casserole, add:
- A splash of balsamic vinegar for depth
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
- A handful of fresh basil leaves for brightness
Variations
1. Vegetable Additions
Vegetable additions enhance the nutritional profile of meatball casserole Bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while spinach introduces a subtle earthiness. Here’s a table of vegetable options and their benefits:
| Vegetable | Texture Added | Nutritional Boost |
| Zucchini | Tender | Vitamin C, Fiber |
| Carrots | Slight crunch | Vitamin A, Antioxidants |
| Mushrooms | Meaty | Vitamin D, B vitamins |
| Broccoli | Firm bite | Folate, Vitamin K |
2. Alternative Cheese Options
Cheese selection impacts the casserole’s flavor profile and texture. While mozzarella provides that classic stringy pull, you can use different cheeses to transform the entire dish. Consider these options:
- Fontina: Adds a nutty, earthy flavor
- Provolone: Offers a sharp, tangy kick
- Gouda: Brings a rich, smoky depth
- Ricotta: Creates pockets of creamy goodness
3. Spice Variations
Spice variations elevate the dump and bake meatball casserole experience. Try these combinations:
- Mediterranean Flair: Oregano, basil, and a pinch of cinnamon
- Spicy Kick: Red pepper flakes, paprika, and cayenne
- Herbal Essence: Thyme, rosemary, and sage
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley
4. Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your meatballs are gluten-free
- Low-carb: Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for pasta
- Vegetarian: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetable balls
- Dairy-free: Opt for dairy-free cheese substitutes or omit cheese altogether
Pairing suggestions
1. Side Dishes
Side dishes enhance the meatball casserole dining experience. I love to balance the richness of the casserole with lighter, fresher sides. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:
- Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Steamed green beans almondine
- Garlic-sautéed spinach
- Lemon-infused broccoli rabe
2. Bread and Salad Pairings
Bread and salad complete the dump and bake meatball casserole meal. Bread can elevate the entire dining experience, while a well-chosen salad provides a refreshing contrast.
| Bread Type | Salad Pairing |
| Garlic bread | Caesar salad |
| Focaccia | Caprese salad |
| Ciabatta | Arugula with lemon vinaigrette |
| Breadsticks | Greek salad |
| Rosemary flatbread | Pear and gorgonzola salad |
3. Beverages
- Red wine: A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese
- White wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay
- Beer: A light lager or wheat beer
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a crisp iced tea
Troubleshooting common issues
Common issues can arise when preparing meatball casseroles. Here are solutions to some frequent problems:
- Dry Casserole
- Insufficient liquid causes a dry casserole.
- Solution: Add extra sauce or broth before baking.
- Under and overcooked Pasta
- Undercooked pasta: Extend baking time and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
- Overcooked pasta: Place the dry pasta on top of the sauce and ensuring it’s fully coated helps maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Burnt Cheese
- Excessive heat leads to burnt cheese topping.
- Solution: Cover the casserole with foil for part of the cooking time, removing it towards the end for browning.
- Mushy Vegetables
- Overcooked vegetables create an unpleasant texture.
- Solution: Add firmer vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini halfway through cooking.
- Bland Flavor
- Solution: Boost flavor with additional herbs, spices, or a splash of vinegar before serving.
