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Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
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Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a comforting, delicious, and effortless meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring pre-cooked meatballs, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheeses, this casserole combines familiar flavors with minimal prep. It’s versatile, time-saving, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pre-cooked or frozen meatballs (thawed slightly if frozen)

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheeses

  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to grease the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta just until al dente, then drain and set aside, as it will finish cooking in the oven alongside the other ingredients.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, pre-cooked meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss gently to coat everything evenly but avoid breaking up the meatballs.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top, indicating it’s ready to serve.

Notes

  • Meatball Choice Matters: Use high-quality or homemade meatballs for best flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency: Choose a thicker marinara or simmer thinner sauce to prevent the casserole from becoming soupy.
  • Cheese Layering: For extra gooeyness, add a layer of cheese inside the pasta and meatball mixture as well as on top.
  • Pasta Timing: Avoid overcooking pasta before baking to maintain a perfect tender texture.
  • Cover While Baking: Tent with foil for the first half of baking to keep moisture, then uncover to allow cheese to brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, easy casserole, dump and bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/easy-dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole/