🍝 Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole (5-Minute Prep!)
Layers of tender meatballs, pasta, and gooey cheese—all baked to bubbly perfection with zero fuss!
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) frozen meatballs (or homemade)
- 12 oz (340g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1 (24oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups (480ml) water or broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Dump Everything
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:
- Uncooked pasta
- Frozen meatballs
- Marinara sauce + water/broth
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt & pepper
- Stir gently to coat.
2. Bake Covered
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 mins.
3. Add Cheese & Finish
- Uncover, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 10-15 mins more until cheese melts and pasta is tender.
4. Broil (Optional)
- Broil 1-2 mins for a golden top. Garnish with basil.
✨ Tips
✔ No frozen meatballs? Use 1 lb ground beef + 1 egg + 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (rolled into balls).
✔ Extra veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking.
✔ Make ahead? Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate for 24 hours—add 5-10 mins to bake time.
Creamy, hearty, and kid-approved! 😍
Pair with: Garlic bread and a simple salad. Dinner solved! 🎉
