If you love hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners with minimal fuss, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole will quickly become your new go-to classic. With just a few pantry and freezer staples, you get a bubbly, cheesy pasta bake layered with saucy marinara and juicy meatballs—all baked together in one dish without even boiling the pasta first. It’s a weeknight dream come true, perfect for busy families or anyone who craves comforting, Italian-inspired flavors with practically no cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is how every ingredient plays an important part, delivering irresistible taste and texture without complicated prep. Each addition adds something special: a creamy melt, a boost of color, or that final touch of Italian magic.
- Uncooked penne pasta (1 16-oz package): Using dry penne saves you a step and gives the casserole a perfectly tender bite right in the oven.
- Marinara sauce (1 24-oz jar): Rich and tangy, marinara coats the pasta and meatballs and holds everything together—choose your favorite brand or make your own.
- Water (3 cups): Added water is the secret to cooking the pasta evenly while it bakes, so don’t skip it!
- Frozen fully-cooked meatballs (1 1-lb bag): These save tons of time and create that meaty, flavorful centerpiece—beef, turkey, or even plant-based work great.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melted mozzarella creates that signature cheesy pull every pasta lover craves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Parmesan adds a salty, nutty sharpness on top, finishing everything off with true Italian flair.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This dried herb blend infuses the whole casserole with warmth and aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to your preference and watch the flavors really shine.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of parsley adds a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While the oven heats up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish—no need to grease it for this recipe. That’s one less step, and it’ll still turn out perfect!
Step 2: Mix the Pasta, Sauce, and Water
Pour the uncooked penne pasta into the baking dish, followed by the entire jar of marinara sauce and 3 cups of water. Stir it all together well—this ensures every piece of pasta gets coated and cooks evenly in the oven. It might look like a lot of liquid at first, but trust the process.
Step 3: Add the Meatballs
Top the saucy pasta mixture with your frozen, fully-cooked meatballs, spacing them out as evenly as possible. There’s no need to thaw them ahead of time—they’ll cook right alongside everything else, soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Tightly cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide it onto the oven’s middle rack and bake for 35 minutes. This steaming step softens the pasta and warms the meatballs through, making them juicy and tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered
Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!), stir the casserole gently to combine, then shower the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket and the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley if you like a pop of green. Serve bubbling hot, straight from the baking dish, for that cozy, family-style dinner experience!
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan just before serving brings both color and bright, savory notes to your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. For a little heat, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of quality olive oil to finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables balance the richness and make for a colorful, wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings, or serve over sautéed spinach for a burst of greens. If you’re hosting, try topping each plate with a dollop of ricotta or a few marinated cherry tomatoes for restaurant-worthy style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container or simply cover the baking dish with foil for quick-to-reheat lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend—once cooled completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, making it the perfect last-minute rescue for busy nights. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave, covered, until hot, or warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of marinara or water and a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to revive that just-baked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have homemade cooked meatballs on hand, simply substitute them for frozen. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before using, as the cooking time in this recipe is designed for pre-cooked meatballs.
What if I want to use a different type Main Course
Any short, sturdy pasta like rotini or ziti will work well. Just keep the measurements and baking times close to what’s listed for best results. Avoid very small or delicate pasta shapes, which may overcook or get lost in the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Toss in a couple handfuls of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini before baking. The extra veggies bake up beautifully, making this dish even heartier and more colorful.
How do I prevent the pasta from turning mushy?
The key is to measure both pasta and liquid exactly and to bake as directed. Don’t skip the initial covered baking step; that’s when the pasta absorbs the liquid evenly without drying out or overcooking.
Is Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! With gooey cheese, sauce, and fun meatballs, this casserole is usually a hit with even picky eaters. For extra kid appeal, use mini meatballs or serve alongside carrot sticks or fruit.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s an all-in-one, easy-bake meal that brings family and friends together at the table, no matter how busy the night. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your weeknight rotation!
