Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an easy and comforting dish that combines frozen meatballs, cooked pasta, and marinara sauce topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and delivers a cheesy, hearty meal in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Pasta
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 cup cooked pasta
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the casserole.
- Combine Meatballs and Pasta: In a large baking dish, evenly spread frozen meatballs and cooked pasta, mixing slightly to distribute them.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, coating them well to create a flavorful base.
- Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced meatballs and pasta for that gooey texture.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Follow by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added sharp, nutty flavor.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or homemade meatballs if preferred; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cook the pasta al dente before assembling for the best texture, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
