Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-dish meal combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy, irresistible casserole requires minimal prep and delivers comforting flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 (12 oz) box uncooked penne pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water (or beef broth for more flavor)
Meatballs & Seasonings
- 1 (1 lb) bag frozen meatballs (about 24 meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, stir together the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water (or beef broth if using), frozen meatballs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well mixed and the pasta is submerged under the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat evenly.
- Add cheese: After baking, remove the foil carefully. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese and creates a bubbly, golden crust.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth for water to add more rich flavor.
- Feel free to use homemade marinara sauce if preferred.
- Optional garlic and onion powders add extra depth, but can be omitted.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it firm up for easier serving.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before baking.
