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A skillet filled with a delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley, ready to be served with crusty bread.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

A simple, no-fuss Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights!
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: dump and bake meatball casserole, easy meatball casserole, Meatball Casserole, meatball casserole recipe, meatball pasta casserole, one pan meatball casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 442kcal
Cost: $12

Ingredients

  • 1 jar marinara sauce 31-32 ounce choose your favorite brand
  • 3 cups water use for sauce consistency
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning for flavor
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder enhances flavor
  • 1 package uncooked rotini pasta 16 ounces or other similar pasta
  • 14 ounces frozen fully-cooked miniature Italian-style meatballs thawed cocktail-size works best
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
  • Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese fresh chopped herbs basil or parsley for added freshness

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In the prepared dish, whisk together the marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Add the uncooked pasta and thawed meatballs to the dish. Stir gently to combine, spreading everything evenly in the sauce. Use a spoon to press the noodles down so they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  • After 35 minutes, remove the foil and stir gently. Check the pasta to ensure it's al dente (firm but almost done). If necessary, cover and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for busy evenings, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Thawing the meatballs first ensures they cook evenly and the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce!

Nutrition

Serving: 150g | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1184mg | Potassium: 640mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 641IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 269mg | Iron: 3mg