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Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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

5 from 7 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, hearty, and delicious one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring frozen meatballs baked together with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, it requires minimal prep and delivers comforting flavors in under an hour.

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 prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix together the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta until everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the meatballs to heat completely.
  4. Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve the casserole hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking until bubbly and golden.
  • You can substitute frozen meatballs with fresh or homemade meatballs if preferred.
  • Using penne or rigatoni pasta helps hold the sauce well, but any short pasta shape works.
  • Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce can add a subtle spicy kick.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, frozen meatballs recipe, one dish meal

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