Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? Look no further than this dump and bake meatball casserole! This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Want to make it vegan? Use this vegan lentil meatballs recipe instead of frozen meatballs!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Meatballs – Homemade or store-bought frozen meatballs will work for this recipe.
• Pasta – I used penne pasta but feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand.
• Cheese – Mozzarella cheese or a four-cheese blend work best for this recipe.
• Sauce – Use your favorite marinara sauce!

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees a grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and frozen meatballs in a mixing bowl. Add salt to taste and mix everything together until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake the dish in the oven for 35 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
5. Top the casserole with cheese and place it back in the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
6. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve with parmesan cheese, if desired.

TOP TIPS AND RECIPE VARIATIONS

• Use high-quality ingredients: This includes using fresh herbs, quality meatballs, and a good quality marinara sauce. It will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
• Add extra veggies: Add some extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to add some extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and make it easier to serve.

STORING LEFTOVERS AND REHEATING

If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how to store dump and bake meatball casserole:

1. Let it cool: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Cover tightly: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep air out and prevent the casserole from drying out.
3. Refrigerate: Place the casserole in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria.
4. Use within 3-4 days: Store the casserole in the refrigerator and use it within 3-4 days. Discard any leftovers that have been left in the fridge for longer than that.
5. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole to ensure it has reached a temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Instant Pot Meatball Sliders
• Ground Beef Nachos
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs