Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy meatballs, a creamy or tomato-based sauce, pasta or potatoes, and melty cheese—all baked together in one dish. Minimal prep, maximum flavor! 🍝🧀
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) or small cubed potatoes
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or cream-of-soup base
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups water or broth (if using pasta)
Optional:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer Ingredients
- If using pasta, combine uncooked pasta, meatballs, and sauce in the dish. Add water or broth.
- If using potatoes, layer cubed potatoes with meatballs and pour sauce over the top.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
3. Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes if using pasta, or 60–70 minutes if using potatoes. Meatballs should be heated through, and pasta or potatoes should be tender.
4. Add Cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot as a hearty main course.
Tips for Success
- Frozen meatballs: No need to thaw, but increase baking time slightly if very large.
- Extra flavor: Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking.
- Creamy variation: Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead of marinara sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake the next day.
✅ Prep time: 10–15 minutes
✅ Cook time: 50–70 minutes
✅ Servings: 6–8
This casserole is a one-dish, family-friendly meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even potlucks because it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
I can also give you a low-carb version using cauliflower and almond flour meatballs if you want a lighter twist. Do you want me to do that?
