In the world of comfort food, few dishes can stir up nostalgia quite like a hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of tender meatballs enveloped in zesty marinara and gooey cheese, bubbling away in a rich symphony of flavors. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table faster than you can say “dinner is served.”
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for meatballs in the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- How long does the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole take to cook?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish reminds me of cozy family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and everyone is eager for a second helping. It’s the kind of meal you want on chilly evenings or busy weeknights when time is tight but hunger is high. Not to mention, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that makes even picky eaters smile with joy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners hassle-free.
- You can customize it easily with your favorite add-ins or pantry staples.
- Its vibrant colors will make your dinner table pop with excitement.
- Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers!
I once whipped up this casserole for a last-minute potluck dinner, and let me tell you—the way my friends devoured it was nothing short of miraculous!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Frozen Meatballs: Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for convenience; choose beef or turkey based on preference.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for your favorite brand; homemade adds a personal touch if time allows.
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well; penne or rotini catch all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here; feel free to mix in some parmesan or cheddar for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add color and crunch; feel free to sneak in spinach or mushrooms too!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the flavor—fresh herbs are fantastic if you’ve got them on hand!
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps everything meld beautifully together during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking disasters.
Combine Ingredients in Dish: In your greased baking dish, toss together frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chopped vegetables, Italian seasoning, and olive oil until everything is well-coated.
Add Cheese Layer: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top of the mixture. Feel free to go wild with cheese—it’s hard to go wrong here!
Cover Tightly with Foil: Cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap all that steamy goodness inside while it bakes.
Bake Until Done: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The pasta should be tender and the meatballs heated through—a true culinary triumph!
Uncover & Broil If Desired: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra cheesiness! Broil briefly if you want that golden-brown top layer.
That’s all there is to it—your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole has transformed from ingredients into a glorious feast! Serve hot alongside a crisp salad or some garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
Now that you know how easy it is to whip up this comforting casserole, gather your loved ones around the dinner table and dig in! With every bite filled with cheesy goodness mingled with tender meatballs and fragrant sauce, it’s guaranteed that this recipe will become one of your household favorites!
You Must Know
- Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
- It combines savory meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese for a meal that warms the heart and fills the belly.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s simple yet satisfying.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you layer ingredients in your casserole dish for maximum efficiency. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid that awkward moment of waiting while everyone’s stomach growls.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the pasta type or add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate your casserole to new cheesy heights!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a flavorful twist, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to enhance depth.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs beforehand for extra flavor and texture.
- Finally, let it rest after baking; it will firm up nicely as it cools.
One memorable evening, my friends devoured this casserole so quickly that I barely got a taste! Their laughter mingled with delight made every effort worth it.
FAQ
What can I substitute for meatballs in the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
Try using plant-based meatballs or cooked chicken for a lighter option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge before baking.
How long does the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole take to cook?
It typically takes about 45 minutes at 375°F to bake until bubbly and golden brown.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Enjoy a comforting Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole that’s effortless to prepare, featuring savory meatballs, zesty marinara, and gooey cheese—all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz) package frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In the greased dish, combine frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chopped vegetables, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Mix until evenly coated.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden-brown top. Broil briefly if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
