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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy portion of dump and bake meatball casserole, showing melted mozzarella and steaming pasta with meatballs.
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A simple, family-friendly pasta bake made with frozen meatballs and jarred sauce. This dump-and-bake recipe requires no boiling and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound frozen cooked meatballs
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (16 ounce) box uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, uncooked pasta, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • You can substitute your favorite jarred pasta sauce for the marinara.
  • This casserole is freezer-friendly. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Consider this a great alternative to some meal planning services.

Nutrition

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