Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, delicious one-dish meal combining rotini pasta, Italian meatballs, and rich spaghetti sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It requires minimal prep and bakes all ingredients together for a comforting, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta, uncooked
- 2 (24 ounce) jars Prego or homemade spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups (24 ounces) water
- 28 ounces frozen Italian meatballs
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix the uncooked rotini pasta, one jar of spaghetti sauce, and 24 ounces of water thoroughly. Then, pour the remaining jar of spaghetti sauce over the mixture without stirring.
- Add Meatballs: Nestle the frozen Italian meatballs on top of the sauce and toss gently to coat the meatballs, making sure they remain above the pasta layer. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce and water so it cooks evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with tin foil to trap steam and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the casserole edges are bubbling actively.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for a few additional minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Color: Turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese develops a golden brown color on top. Remove from oven.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meatball casserole!
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Notes
- Ensure that the pasta stays submerged for even cooking; adjust water or sauce as needed.
- Using frozen meatballs saves time but ensure they are fully cooked according to package instructions if cooking separately.
- Covering tightly with foil helps steam the pasta and prevents the casserole from drying out.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping; keep a close eye during this step.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, covered, and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
