What is a recipe that saved my sanity on more nights than I can remember? Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. If you’re anything like me, and sometimes you just can’t deal with complicated recipes, then I’m sorry. After a long day, this one’s an absolute game-changer. Is it easier than making spaghetti and meatballs? Think of it as the lazy person’s lasagna, but with the cozy comfort of meatballs. I always feel like it’s a warm hug in the pan!
What is a dump and bake meatball casserole?
What is this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole I keep raving about? It’s essentially layers of pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese all baked together in one dish. Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna, but way easier to throw together. Beauty is in simplicity. How do you put all the ingredients into a baking dish? Is bubbly and delicious? Is it the kind of recipe where the name tells you everything you need to know? Is it necessary to be a master chef to do this? My kids help me make it all the time!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to love this recipe. What I love most about this is that it basically cooks itself. We’ve all had those days when the idea of cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest. This recipe eliminates that stress.
First off, the flavor is amazing. What are some of the best meatballs you’ve ever had? Is this a comforting drink? I swear, the smell alone brings everyone running to the kitchen. Is it easy to make? No pre-cooking involved, no complicated steps, just dump, bake, and enjoy.
What are some of the most cost-effective meals? I always use frozen meatballs (which saves so much time). What are some pantry staples that most people already have on hand? How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Can you add different types of cheese, veggies, etc. to it? What is the best substitute for pasta? It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I like baked ziti, but this recipe takes even less effort. Is this a good book?
How do I make a dump and bake meatball casserole?
Quick Overview
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is truly a breeze! You simply toss uncooked pasta, sauce, meatballs, cheese, and a bit of water into a baking dish, give it a good stir, and bake it until the pasta is cooked through and everything is bubbly and melted. No boiling pasta, no browning meatballs, just pure, simple deliciousness. The magic happens in the oven!
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 pound uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape) – I usually use panna because it is a good shape. How does the sauce hold its shape?
* 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand! I like Rao’s, but any good marinara will work. What’s a good vodka sauce?
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce – This adds extra depth of flavor and helps to create a richer flavor.
* 1 cup water – This is essential for cooking the pasta in the oven.
* 1 (16-ounce) package frozen meatballs – Opt for Italian-style for the best flavor. I usually buy the pre-cooked ones to make things even easier.
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover! I usually sprinkle some extra on top during the last few minutes of baking.
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – For that classic Italian flavor.
What are some good red pepper flakes to add to your diet?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom?
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, tomato sauce and water, frozen. What are the ingredients for meatballs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning? Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Is it true that uncooked pasta doesn’t have enough liquid?
Step 3: Stir Well
How do I stir everything together really well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. This is important because it ensures that the pasta cooks evenly. Get right down to the bottom of the dish, and give it a good mix.
Step 4: Cover with Foil
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the steam and cook pasta evenly. I always use heavy-duty foil to make sure it stays in place.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. When the cheese is melted, it will be bubbly. The top should be golden brown and irresistible.
Step 6: Let Rest
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. How do you make a sauce that thickens slightly? I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it is worth it!
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
What are the best ways to serve hot and enjoy! I love to garnish it with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
What should I serve it with?
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of sides. I especially love these options:
For a light lunch:A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides scrumptious contrast to the rich greens.
For Dinner:Garlic bread is always a hit with kids. Can you serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers?
For a Crowd:If you’re serving a larger group, consider adding ice cream, feta cheese, and some crusty bread. What is the best bread for dipping in the sauce?
For a Special Occasion:What is the best way to serve this dish with a glass of Chianti? What are some good Italian desserts?
Growing up, my mom would always serve this with a simple side salad and some garlic knots. What a great meal, and still brings back fond memories.
How do I make a perfect dump and bake meatball casserole?
What are some of the best ways to make a dump and bake meatball? What makes a casserol
Pasta Choice:Is there a better pasta shape than penne? Just make sure they’re relatively small and can cook evenly in the oven.
Sauce Variation: SauceDon’t be afraid to get creative with sauce! Can you add diced tomatoes to your marinara? What is the best way to use pesto in a pasta dish?
What are the best cheeseMozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can also add other cheeses like Provolone, and others. Is it possible to make Gorgonzola ricotta?
Meatball Swaps: While I typically use frozen Italian-style meatballs, you can also use homemade meatballs, ground beef, or even vegetarian meatballs.
Vegetable Additions: This casserole is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Add chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the baking dish before baking.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit them altogether. If you like it really hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
One time, I accidentally added a little too much red pepper flakes, and it was way too spicy for my kids. Now, I always make sure to use just a pinch!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled down completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze, but you can add a layer of fresh mozzarella before reheating for extra cheesiness!
I usually make a big batch of this casserole on the weekend and then freeze individual portions for easy weeknight meals. It’s such a time-saver!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal! This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is truly a lifesaver, and I know you’ll love it as much as my family does. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting and satisfying meal without all the fuss. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my baked ziti or my easy lasagna soup! Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking, friends!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Egg
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 can Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ground beef, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Mix well.
- Form into meatballs and place in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over meatballs.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
