In the world of comfort foods, few dishes are as satisfying and universally loved as a warm, cheesy casserole. The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole takes this concept to the next lev
el by combining hearty meatballs, gooey cheese, and pasta in an incredibly easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal prep and no pre-cooking. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or whenever you need a comforting meal without the fuss.Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: dried herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked penne, marinara sauce, and water. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and the ingredients are well mixed. If you like, sprinkle some dried herbs and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavors.
3. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: After the initial baking, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Stir the casserole to mix the ingredients again and check the pasta's doneness. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
Nutritional Consideration:
This dish is a hearty one, full of protein from the meatballs and dairy from the cheese. To balance the meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For those looking to cut down on fat, opt for low-fat cheese and turkey meatballs.
Conclusion:
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the epitome of comfort food with the added bonus of simplicity. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish proves that you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite to add to your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy the ease of this dump-and-bake approach and the delightful combination of flavors that make this casserole a true winner.
PrintDump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an effortless recipe that combines all the flavors of a comforting meal with minimal effort. Just layer frozen meatballs, pasta, cheese, and sauce, then bake to perfection. It's ideal for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs
- Penne pasta, uncooked
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use homemade meatballs for a richer flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of dish
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: dump and bake, meatball casserole, easy dinner, family meal, quick casserole
Leave a Reply