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Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and savory pasta sauce into a casserole dish, it bakes all together, allowing the pasta to cook in the flavorful sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this hearty casserole is a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound frozen meatballs
  • 1 can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, evenly combine the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir gently to mix everything together and ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
  3. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat completely.
  4. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  5. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy your comforting meatball casserole.

Notes

  • You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
  • Feel free to use homemade meatballs or pasta sauce for a fresher, more personalized taste.
  • Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure the pasta cooks properly without drying out.
  • This casserole works well with different types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2-3 days for easy meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, comfort food, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, quick casserole, one dish meal

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe/