If you're looking for a fuss-free, mouth-watering dinner that the whole family will love, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe is your answer! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to hover over the stove or do a lot of prep work. Just toss everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it cook itself to perfection. The result? A hearty, cheesy, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Read on to learn how to create this easy, savory masterpiece step by step!
What is Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
The name says it all! A Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a one-pan dish where all the ingredients are “dumped” into the baking dish, mixed together, and baked to perfection. No need for browning meat or boiling pasta ahead of time. It’s a shortcut recipe that cuts down on effort without sacrificing flavor. The combination of tender pasta, juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese creates a cozy, satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients List for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to create this easy casserole. Here’s a list of essential ingredients:
- Frozen meatballs (about 20-25 medium-sized meatballs)
- Pasta (uncooked – penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well, about 2 cups)
- Marinara sauce (about 24 oz, store-bought or homemade)
- Chicken or beef broth (2 ½ cups, for added flavor and to help cook the pasta)
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon for seasoning)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe is how versatile it is. You can make plenty of substitutions or tweaks to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Meatballs: You can swap frozen meatballs for homemade if you prefer, or use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Pasta: If you don’t have penne or ziti, you can use any other short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even shells.
- Sauce: Feel free to switch up marinara with alfredo sauce, pesto, or a creamy tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can also try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Broth: If you don’t have broth, you can substitute water, but using broth gives the dish more flavor.
- Add-ins: To bulk up the casserole, consider adding in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is as easy as it sounds. You won’t need more than 10-15 minutes to assemble everything, and the oven will take care of the rest. Let’s get cooking!
How to Cook Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Add uncooked pasta to the bottom of the baking dish. There’s no need to pre-cook it! The pasta will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce and broth as it bakes.
- Top the pasta with frozen meatballs. Spread them out evenly over the pasta. If your meatballs are large, you can halve them to make sure they cook through evenly.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta. Use a spoon to spread the sauce around, ensuring that it coats everything evenly.
- Add chicken or beef broth to the dish. The broth will help cook the pasta as the casserole bakes, making it tender and flavorful.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These will add depth to the sauce and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. This will trap the steam and help cook the pasta evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help everything set, and the flavors will meld together perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is pretty foolproof, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not using enough liquid: The pasta needs sufficient liquid to cook properly. Make sure you use enough broth or sauce to fully cover the pasta.
- Overcooking the casserole: Keep an eye on the baking time. If you bake the casserole for too long, the pasta can become mushy, and the meatballs may dry out.
- Using low-quality meatballs: The meatballs are the star of the dish, so make sure you use ones that are flavorful and juicy. If using store-bought, go for a brand you trust.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving this comforting dish. Here are a few tips to make your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole look as appetizing as it tastes:
- Top with fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread: A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad makes a great pairing.
- Add extra Parmesan: Put out a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle on top of their servings.
- Slice and serve with ease: Cut the casserole into squares for neat and easy portions.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a few simple sides:
- Garlic bread: The cheesy, saucy goodness of this dish begs for some garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce.
- Simple green salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for some added veggies.
Presentation Ideas for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
To make your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole really shine, consider these fun and creative presentation ideas:
- Use a cast-iron skillet: Bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look that goes from oven to table.
- Individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, divide the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a bright, fresh touch that enhances the dish's visual appeal.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Double the recipe: This dish is great for feeding a crowd! Double the recipe and bake in two dishes if you’re hosting a large group.
- Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. Just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but you may want to brown them first to ensure they’re fully cooked by the end of the baking time.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No, that’s the beauty of this recipe! The pasta cooks in the sauce and broth as the casserole bakes.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftover portions in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers is a great way to boost the nutrition in this dish.
Conclusion
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just pressed for time, this recipe offers a foolproof way to get a hearty, delicious meal on the table with very little work. Try it out for your next family dinner or potluck, and we guarantee everyone will be asking for seconds!
PrintDump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
This easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole recipe is a perfect one-dish meal. The dish features simple ingredients like meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and cheese, making it a delicious and quick dinner solution. With minimal prep, everything is combined in one pan and baked until bubbly, resulting in tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and a gooey cheesy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Frozen or homemade meatballs
- Uncooked pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Water
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings (optional: garlic powder, Italian herbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
- Place meatballs evenly on top of the pasta.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you like, but adjust cooking times for smaller shapes.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be added for extra flavor.
- Use homemade or store-bought meatballs for convenience.
- Freezing leftovers is an option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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