Description

A quick and easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole combining tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, cooked pasta or rice, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting one-dish meal requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, while delivering hearty, crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 to 1.5 lbs frozen or premade meatballs
4 cups marinara sauce
3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) or cooked rice
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics & Seasonings

1 medium onion, chopped
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried herbs
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Optional Add-ins

1 cup chopped bell peppers or spinach (optional)
Additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale (optional)
Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta or rice with marinara sauce, sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly coated and fragrant, building a rich flavor foundation for the casserole.
Assemble Meatballs and Sauce: Add the frozen or premade meatballs to the sauce mixture, distributing them evenly to avoid clumping. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Add Cheese Layers: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then dust generously with grated Parmesan. These cheeses will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.

Notes

Use quality, well-seasoned meatballs to elevate the flavor with minimal extra effort.
Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.
Layer cheeses thoughtfully—blending mozzarella with Parmesan creates the best texture and flavor.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top after baking for extra color and freshness.
Cover the casserole loosely with foil if the cheese starts to brown too quickly in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: thirty five g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, comfort food, one dish meal, weeknight dinner, family meal, quick recipe, bake, meatballs, marinara