Print

Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

easy cheesy dump-and-bake meatball casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy dump-and-bake casserole featuring frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 frozen or thawed pre-cooked meatballs (e.g., Johnsonville)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped fresh basil, sliced black olives

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe baking dish, stir together 3 cups marinara sauce and 2 cups water or broth.
  3. Add 8 ounces of uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta to the sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated and submerged.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir gently.
  5. Nestle frozen or thawed meatballs evenly into the sauce-pasta mixture.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce is bubbling.
  8. Remove foil and switch oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for best results. If using fresh meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked or bake longer. Freshly shred mozzarella for better melting. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning. Add extra water if sauce thickens too much during baking. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy casserole, quick recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-cheesy-dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/