The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the epitome of convenience meets comfort. This no-fuss recipe brings together all the hearty flavors of a traditional Italian meal in a single baking dish.
With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, topped with juicy meatballs, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of prep or cleanup.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: A Stress-Free Comfort Meal
This casserole is ideal for those evenings when you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal but don’t have the time or energy for extensive cooking. Just a few simple steps and this dish is oven-ready, baking to perfection without any need to boil pasta or precook the meatballs.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serving: 4-6 servings
Equipment: Large baking dish, aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package Barilla uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups Kraft shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend) cheese
- Optional for garnish: Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and meatballs. Stir the ingredients together to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and ensure that the pasta cooks evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Stir the contents to mix well, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs for an extra touch of flavor and a pop of color.
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple yet delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of a homemade meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.