Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food shortcut, combining uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and frozen meatballs in one dish. Simply mix, cover, and bake for a hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) box uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14–16 oz) package frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the rack in the middle position to ensure even heat distribution during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs directly into the baking dish, distributing them evenly across the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and optional grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute rotini with other types of pasta like penne or ziti.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that the meatballs and sauce are gluten-free.
- Adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor.
