Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Meatball casserole garnished with basil.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese to create the ultimate dinner for busy weeknights. This easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is whipped up in just one baking dish, making clean-up a breeze!

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword Casserole

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 133kcal

Author Darcey Olson

Cost $12

Ingredients

16 oz uncooked pasta *Note 1
24 oz marinara, spaghetti or sugo sauce *Note 2
2 cups beef broth *Note 3
1 cup milk
½ cup diced yellow onions
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt, + more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper. + more to taste
1 lb meatballs, thawed and cooked *Note 4
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

OPTIONAL GARNISHES

Garnish with fresh basil or parsely

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 425° F.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish add the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, onions, broth, milk, and spices. Stir to combine ensuring every piece of pasta has been coated. Gently nestle the meatballs in the pasta.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Uncover, stir, and check the pasta for doneness. Cover and place back in the oven for five more minutes if the pasta isn't quite done.
Uncover the casserole, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve.

Video

Notes

Note 1 - Pasta shapes that work well: ziti, penne, rotini, and rigatoni.

Note 2 - Use any store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce or Sugo (How To Make Spaghetti Sauce).

Note 3 - You can sub in chicken broth, vegetable broth or water.

Note 4 - fresh, homemade or frozen all work well. Just make sure they're thawed and cooked.

Nutrition