There are times in life when things become so hectic that dinner becomes an afterthought. With work, taking care of kids, and fulfilling other responsibilities, getting a well-cooked meal on the table can be difficult. That’s when the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole comes in handy. This recipe is perfect for those crazy days when you need something hearty yet simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole practically makes itself while still being incredibly tasty.
I vividly remember the first time I made this casserole dish. It was one of those days filled with endless meetings and running errands all over town. By the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed that I needed something easy yet delicious for dinner. When I stumbled across this recipe, it felt like finding a precious gem. All I had to do was “dump” everything into one pot and let the oven do the work. The result? A cheesy, flavorful dish that everyone at home loved.
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 (ensure they are thawed if frozen)
2 cups Kraft shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend) cheese
Optional:
Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Fresh chopped herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley) for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the casserole cooks evenly and quickly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Combine Ingredients:
In a large baking dish, mix together the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs. Make sure the sauce covers most of the pasta and the meatballs are evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Casserole
Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The steam helps the pasta absorb the sauce and blend all the flavors together perfectly.
4. Check and Stir
Remove Foil:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the casserole dish, being mindful of the hot steam. Stir the casserole to ensure the pasta is cooking evenly and check if it is tender.
5. Add the Cheese
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish and Serve:
Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
Pasta Choices:
Rotini pasta works great, but penne, fusilli, or ziti are also good alternatives. Just ensure the pasta is of similar size for even cooking.
Sauce Options:
Experiment with different marinara or tomato-based sauces. Homemade sauces work wonderfully too!
Meatball Varieties:
Regular-sized meatballs can be used instead of cocktail-sized ones. You can also substitute with Italian sausage or ground beef.
Cheese Variations:
Besides mozzarella, try using cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses. Parmesan is always a great addition for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the meatballs with plant-based substitutes or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a meatless version.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce and meatballs are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a lifesaver for busy days. This dish is one of the easiest meals you can prepare—just toss everything into an oven-safe dish and let the oven do the rest. The result is a remarkably cheesy, delicious casserole that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity combined with excellent taste. You can enjoy a homemade meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Plus, the ingredients are versatile, allowing you to easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
So, whenever you feel pressed for time but crave some comfort food, give this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole a try. Trust me; everyone will love it just like my family does. Enjoy the simplicity of its preparation and the rich flavors of this delightful casserole dish!
DUMP AND BAKE YOUR WAY TO A FANTASTIC MEATBALL CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 25-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 14-ounce package fully-cooked miniature meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend
- Parmesan cheese for extra flavor (optional)
- Fresh chopped herbs basil, oregano, parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, mix uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs; ensure pasta is covered by sauce and meatballs are evenly distributed.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove Foil: Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and check if the pasta is tender.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes, then garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: Rotini works well, but penne, fusilli, or ziti can also be used.
- Sauce Options: Experiment with different marinara or tomato-based sauces, including homemade versions.
- Meatball Varieties: Use regular-sized meatballs, Italian sausage, or ground beef as alternatives.
- Cheese Variations: Add cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses; Parmesan adds extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meatballs with plant-based substitutes or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce and meatballs are gluten-free.
