If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t demand a ton of prep or fuss, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is here to save the day. Imagine tender rotini pasta soaking up a rich, flavorful sauce while juicy meatballs warm through underneath a generous blanket of melted mozzarella. This one-dish wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but packed with flavor and texture, working in harmony to create a casserole that’s wonderfully satisfying. Each bite brings together the perfect balance of tender pasta, savory meatballs, rich sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese.
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (uncooked): The spiral shape holds onto sauce beautifully, making sure every bite is delicious.
- 3 cups water: Essential for cooking the pasta right in the casserole without boiling separately.
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (1 jar): Choose your favorite marinara or tomato basil sauce for that classic Italian flavor.
- 14 ounces meatballs (frozen, precooked): Using precooked meatballs saves time while still delivering hearty protein.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a creamy, stretchy topping that takes the casserole to the next level.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature helps everything cook perfectly together. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared baking dish, pour in the uncooked rotini pasta. Next, add the water and your jar of pasta sauce right on top. Then scatter the thawed precooked meatballs evenly over the mixture. Sprinkle the kosher salt over everything for that extra savory boost. Gently stir just enough to combine everything evenly—this ensures the pasta cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Place the covered casserole in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, remove the foil carefully and stir the casserole to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Then cover again and continue baking for the remaining time.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial 35 minutes, take off the foil and give the pasta one more stir. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, creating that irresistible cheesy layer. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just slightly golden.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool just a bit before serving. For an extra flavor kick, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or some freshly chopped parsley on top. This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe shines best when served warm and fresh, pairing bold flavors with comforting textures.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate this casserole from delicious to show-stopping. Freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that everyone loves. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle but satisfying kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with fresh, crisp side dishes creates a balanced meal. A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add nice color and nutrition to the plate. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for guests or a special family meal, consider scooping it out into individual oven-safe dishes or ramekins before adding the cheese topping. This gives everyone a personal serving that’s visually appealing and easy to handle. Alternatively, bake it in cast iron for a rustic, homey vibe that looks fantastic right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it down before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and prevent sogginess. When ready, leftovers make for an easy and just-as-delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe freezes exceptionally well. After assembling the casserole but before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time and keeping it covered until heated through. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use fresh meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole to ensure the best texture and safety.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is great because its curves hold the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes you love.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for your favorite plant-based meatballs, or try adding hearty veggies like mushrooms or eggplant to keep it filling and flavorful.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Definitely. Homemade sauce adds a fresh, personalized touch, and you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Just use the same volume called for in the recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that’s fuss-free but full of comforting flavors, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is a total winner. It delivers that perfect combination of gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and tender pasta, all baked together with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to for easy weeknights and family dinners alike. Give it a whirl—you’re going to love it!
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Uncooked pasta, water, pasta sauce, frozen precooked meatballs, and seasonings are combined in a baking dish, baked until tender and bubbly, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and hearty dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (1 jar)
Protein
- 14 ounces frozen, precooked meatballs (thawed)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place the uncooked rotini pasta into the prepared baking dish. Add the water and pasta sauce, then add the thawed meatballs and sprinkle with kosher salt. Gently mix everything to distribute evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the covered baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully remove the dish, stir the contents thoroughly to ensure even cooking, then cover and return to the oven.
- Add the Cheese and Finish Baking: After the initial baking time, remove the foil and stir the pasta once more. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. For extra flavor, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meatball casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with other small pasta shapes like penne or bowtie.
- If using frozen meatballs straight from the freezer, increase baking time by 5–10 minutes and stir carefully.
- Covering the dish tightly with foil during initial baking helps cook the pasta evenly.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
