If you are craving a comforting, no-fuss meal that combines hearty meatballs, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese all in one dish, this Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate weeknight winner that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort—simply gather your ingredients, layer them, and let your oven work its magic. Every forkful bursts with rich marinara, savory meatballs, and a creamy cheesy finish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this casserole is pure love served bubbly and hot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe sing. Each element plays its part: the meatballs bring juicy protein, the penne pasta holds the sauce perfectly, and the mozzarella adds that irresistible cheesy pull. Plus, the marinara infuses everything with incredible tomato goodness.
- Frozen cooked meatballs (1.5-2 lbs): Using pre-cooked meatballs saves time and locks in savory flavor.
- Penne pasta (16 oz): Its tubular shape traps the sauce inside for every bite to be saucy and tender.
- Marinara sauce (44-48 ounces): The heart of the casserole, packed with rich tomato flavor and herbs.
- Water (3 cups): Added to cook the pasta right in the casserole without needing extra pots.
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese (2 cups, grated): Melts beautifully for the ultimate cheesy topping.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds a bright, fresh touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature helps the pasta cook quickly and the sauce thicken nicely as everything bakes.
Step 2: Mix pasta, marinara, and water
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine your dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Give it a good stir so that all the pasta gets coated in that vibrant tomato sauce, creating a flavorful base.
Step 3: Layer the meatballs
Next, evenly arrange your frozen cooked meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce mixture. Resist the urge to stir them in; keeping the meatballs on top ensures they stay juicy and get perfectly heated through without mashing.
Step 4: Cover and bake
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. This step transforms the casserole with a luscious, melty finish.
Step 6: Final bake for cheesy perfection
Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. If you love a golden brown cheese crust, leave it uncovered; or cover loosely with foil if you want soft melted cheese without the browning.
Step 7: Let it rest and serve
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a resting period of 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier, ensuring every plate is a comforting delight.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a hint of fresh brightness that cuts through the rich flavors of the casserole—simple but effective for the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add crunch and balance. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also make incredible sides, soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or casual gathering, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish so everyone can help themselves to cheesy, saucy goodness. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, avoid freezing the cheese topping—add fresh mozzarella when reheating instead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the oven helps maintain that delightful bubbly texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just brown fresh meatballs beforehand to ensure they cook through, then layer them on top as the recipe directs before baking.
What type of pasta works best for this casserole?
Penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, ziti, or rotini are excellent alternatives too.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based meatballs, or use hearty roasted vegetables for a meat-free version that’s still satisfying.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before baking?
No thawing needed! The recipe is designed for frozen cooked meatballs to bake straight from the freezer, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
What if I want a spicier flavor?
Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some crushed chili over the cheese before baking for a subtle kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe is a game-changer when you want a hearty, homemade meal without slaving over the stove. It’s simple, satisfying, and packs all the comfort you crave in one dish. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A simple and hearty Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole that combines frozen cooked meatballs, penne pasta, and marinara sauce baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese on top. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights and serves a comforting Italian-inspired dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1.5–2 lbs frozen cooked meatballs (about 24–30 meatballs)
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 jar marinara sauce (44–48 ounces)
- 3 cups water
Topping
- 2 cups grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the uncooked penne pasta, the full jar of marinara sauce, and 3 cups of water. Stir gently to combine the pasta and sauce evenly.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen cooked meatballs on top of the pasta mixture evenly. Avoid stirring the meatballs into the pasta to maintain layers and texture.
- Cover Dish: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help cook the pasta through.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the covered dish on the middle oven rack. Bake for 40 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully uncover it. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and pasta surface.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese. Cover with foil if you prefer the cheese not to brown, or leave uncovered for a golden melted cheese topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Using frozen cooked meatballs cuts down the prep time significantly.
- Do not stir after adding meatballs to keep layers intact.
- Adjust water measurement if using a different pasta shape or brand to ensure it cooks properly.
- Cover with foil while melting cheese if you prefer no browning, or keep uncovered for a crisp golden top.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Pasta Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
