Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining juicy meatballs, hearty pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan, this casserole requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen meatballs, defrosted
• 1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 box bowtie pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Combine Ingredients:

• In a high-sided oven-proof pot or skillet, add the defrosted meatballs, jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce, 3 cups of water, and the entire box of bowtie pasta.
• Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated and the meatballs are evenly distributed.

3. Bake:

• Cover the pot or skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.

4. Add Cheese:

• Remove the cover and top the casserole with 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• Meatballs: Use your favorite type of meatballs, whether they’re beef, pork, chicken, or a mix. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Pasta: Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and water mixture to cook evenly.
• Sauce: For a richer flavor, you can use a homemade marinara sauce. Add some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese if you’re a cheese lover. You can also mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
• Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, consider adding some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole.

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is perfect for when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort. Just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a delicious, comforting dish that the whole family will love.