This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole combines all your favorite Italian flavors in one simple, comforting dish. With tender rotini pasta, marinara sauce, juicy cocktail-size meatballs, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s a hassle-free, delicious meal that’s ready to go straight from oven to table. Simply layer, bake, and enjoy this satisfying, family-friendly casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole:
Effortless Preparation: Just combine the ingredients and pop it in the oven—no need to boil the pasta or pre-cook the meatballs!
Italian Comfort Food in One Dish: With tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and melty cheese, it brings together all the best Italian flavors in a single pan.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Flexible for Add-Ins: You can easily customize with extra veggies, different cheeses, or herbs for added flavor.
Minimal Clean-Up: Using only one dish means fewer dishes to wash, making this a truly easy dinner from start to finish.
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Key Ingredients:
1. Rotini Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta: Rotini’s spiral shape catches the sauce and cheese perfectly, but you could also use penne, ziti, or other short pasta if needed.
Uncooked Pasta: No need to pre-cook the pasta—the sauce and water will cook it right in the baking dish.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free rotini or other short pasta if desired.
2. Marinara Sauce
Choose a Good-Quality Sauce: Marinara sauce is the backbone of the dish, so choose one with rich, balanced flavors. Look for a jar with no added sugar or artificial ingredients for the best taste.
Homemade Option: If you have time, homemade marinara adds an extra layer of depth. Simply simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a delicious sauce.
3. Meatballs
Cocktail-Size Meatballs: Small, fully-cooked meatballs are ideal here since they’re quick to heat through and blend perfectly with the pasta. Make sure they’re thawed if previously frozen.
Homemade or Store-Bought: Use store-bought for convenience, or make your own small meatballs from scratch if you have time. Italian-seasoned ground beef or turkey works especially well.
4. Mozzarella Cheese
Melty and Delicious: Mozzarella gives the casserole a creamy, gooey finish. Choose an Italian blend or mozzarella for a classic taste.
Other Cheese Options: You can mix in shredded Parmesan or even provolone for added flavor depth.
5. Optional Additions
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving adds a nutty, savory note that complements the mozzarella.
Fresh Herbs: Adding basil, oregano, or parsley as a garnish brings a fresh, bright contrast to the rich casserole.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this delicious Meatball and Pasta Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the Oven Temperature:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat is essential for cooking the casserole evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Combine Ingredients:
In a large baking dish, mix together uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs.
Make sure the sauce covers most of the pasta and distribute the meatballs evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, helping the pasta cook evenly.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and blend all the flavors together.
Step 4: Check and Stir
Remove the Foil:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the casserole dish, being mindful of the hot steam.
Stir the Casserole:
Stir the casserole to ensure the pasta is cooking evenly and check if it is tender.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake Uncovered:
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let It Rest:
Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley.
Serve Hot:
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting casserole!
Serving Suggestions:
Looking to make this meal even more satisfying? Here are a few sides and extras that pair perfectly with this Meatball Casserole:
Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or breadsticks on the side for dipping into the sauce.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and Parmesan complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced, nutritious addition.
Simple Italian Salad: A fresh salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and Italian dressing brightens up the meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This casserole is perfect for leftovers or make-ahead meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it for later.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time (without baking) and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply pop it in the oven to bake!
Variations to Try:
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a versatile dish, so feel free to add your own twist. Here are a few ideas:
Add Veggies: Stir in sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Meatball Casserole: Use spicy Italian sausage meatballs, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or drizzle a little hot sauce for extra heat.
Three-Cheese Casserole: Mix in Parmesan and provolone with the mozzarella for a more complex cheesy flavor.
Swap the Pasta: Try different pasta shapes, like penne or bowtie, to switch up the texture.
Meat Lovers’ Version: Add cooked sausage slices, bacon bits, or pepperoni slices for a hearty variation.
Conclusion:
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is a delicious, no-fuss recipe that brings all the comfort and flavors of a classic Italian meal without the hassle. Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a quick, satisfying dinner, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 25 ounces jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 14 ounces fully-cooked miniature meatballs thawed if frozen
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend
- Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- Fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even and quick cooking.
- In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs. Stir to distribute the meatballs and make sure the sauce covers most of the pasta.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and cook the pasta evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole to ensure even cooking, and check if the pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley before serving.