Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for an effortless yet hearty meal, you’ve got to try this dump and bake meatball casserole! Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that saves the day on those crazy busy nights when you just don’t have time to fuss in the kitchen. You literally dump everything into one baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! I love how the flavors meld together, and when that gooey cheese comes out all bubbly and golden, it’s like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it’s super family-friendly, so everyone’s happy! Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (any shape you like!)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, no judgment here!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (for that lovely herb flavor)
- 2 cups water (this helps cook the pasta perfectly!)
How to Prepare a Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole starts cooking evenly and helps those flavors meld beautifully right from the get-go. Plus, who doesn’t love walking into a warm kitchen full of delicious aromas?
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large baking dish and toss in the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and water. Yup, that’s all there is to it! Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is coated with that rich sauce and the meatballs are nestled in nicely. This step is key for even cooking, so don’t skip it! You want every little bit to soak up that juicy goodness.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil — this helps trap the steam and keeps everything moist while it bakes. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and check if the pasta is tender. If it is, you’re golden!
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Now comes the exciting part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of your casserole. This is where the magic happens, my friend! Return it to the oven uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and slightly golden. Trust me, the sight of that melty cheese will make your heart sing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick preparation — just dump and bake!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for hungry bellies.
- Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one dish.
- Family-friendly — kids and adults alike will love it!
- Versatile — customize with your favorite pasta or add veggies.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to make your dump and bake meatball casserole absolutely perfect! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the cheese amounts — if you’re a cheese lover like me, go ahead and add extra mozzarella for that ultimate gooeyness! You can also switch up the pasta; penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta work great. If you want to sneak in some veggies for added nutrition, try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just remember to cut them small so they cook through nicely. And lastly, always check for doneness by tasting a piece of pasta — it should be tender and oh-so-delicious!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving of this dump and bake meatball casserole:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This hearty dish not only fills you up but also packs in a good amount of protein and carbs to keep you energized! Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this dump and bake meatball casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh meatballs will cook faster. Aim for about 25 minutes before adding the cheese.
What if I want to use a different type of pasta?
No problem! You can use any pasta you like, just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Thin pasta like angel hair will cook faster, while thicker shapes like rigatoni might need a few extra minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I add veggies to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli can be great additions. Just chop them small and toss them in with the other ingredients for some extra nutrition!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your dump and bake meatball casserole are always a treat! To store, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze individual portions! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It’ll taste just as good as the first time around! Yum!
Imprimer
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: 5-Minute Dinner Delight
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and hearty meal that combines meatballs, pasta, and cheese in one dish.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and water.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: dump and bake meatball casserole
