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 Parsnip 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 for dinner.
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. All the ingredients are dumped into a baking dish and the oven does the work.
This recipe uses frozen meatballs, mixed up with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and Italian seasoning. Once everything is mixed, 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.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole pairs well with garlic bread, fresh salads, or steamed/roasted veggies for a balanced meal. You can also pair the dish with other Italian-inspired sides such as antipasto, olives, or marinated vegetables.
For drinks, try a Chianti, Pinot Grigio, or light beer. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or iced tea are great options.
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
Nutrition
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
SIMILAR RECIPES
To elevate the flavor profile of your casserole, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a handful of fresh basil leaves for brightness.
Variations
There are many versions of the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:
- Vegetable Additions enhance the nutritional profile of meatball casserole Bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while spinach introduces a subtle earthiness.
- Alternative Cheese 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
- Spice Variations elevate the dump and bake meatball casserole experience. Try these combinations:
- Mediterranean Flair with oregano, basil, and a pinch of cinnamon
- Spicy Kick with red pepper flakes, paprika, and cayenne
- Herbal Essence with thyme, rosemary, and sage
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley
- Dietary Restrictions
- The gluten-free version uses gluten-free pasta and ensures your meatballs are gluten-free
- Low-carb casserole substitutes zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for pasta
- Vegetarian variation replaces meatballs with plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetable balls
- Dairy-free version opts for dairy-free cheese substitutes or omits the cheese altogether
Troubleshooting common issues
Common issues can arise when preparing meatball casseroles. A dry casserole usually means there wasn’t enough liquid—just add more sauce or broth before baking.
If your pasta is undercooked, extend the baking time and make sure it’s fully covered in sauce. For overcooked pasta, place dry pasta on top of the sauce and coat it well to keep that perfect al dente bite.
Mushy veggies can drag the dish down. Toss in firmer vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini halfway through cooking to keep their texture. And if the flavor feels a little flat, don’t be shy with herbs, spices, or even a splash of vinegar to brighten things up.