Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the definition of simplicity and flavor. You simply dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, and it practically bakes itself. The combination of juicy, fully cooked meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and cheesy pasta is a classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the entire meal is made in one dish, which means minimal cleanup—a huge win for busy families or anyone looking for an easy, no-fuss dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner for your family, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is sure to become a go-to meal.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 24–25 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 14 ounces fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini, marinara sauce, water, and thawed meatballs. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil, stir gently, and check if the pasta is al dente. If it needs more time, cover again and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Garnish with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Variations
- Add Veggies: You can add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Just stir them in along with the pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella cheese for a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone to change up the flavor profile.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fully cooked meatballs work perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rotini works great in this recipe, you can substitute with other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix in a diced jalapeño when assembling the casserole.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade marinara sauce will work just as well and add an extra layer of flavor to the casserole.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses. Parmesan would also be a great addition to the top.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer (just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time).
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Check the pasta after 35 minutes of baking. If it’s tender and cooked through but not mushy, it’s done. If not, cover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the meatballs with a plant-based meatball or add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty, meatless version.
Conclusion
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a family-friendly, one-dish wonder that’s as simple as it is delicious. With minimal prep and just one pan to clean, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to make something comforting with little effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a quick dinner for the family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate one-pan dinner. With tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheesy rotini pasta, all baked together in one dish, this family-friendly casserole is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep, maximum flavor
Ingredients
16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
24–25 ounces marinara sauce
3 cups water
14 ounces fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini, marinara sauce, water, and thawed meatballs. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
-
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
-
After 35 minutes, remove the foil, stir gently, and check if the pasta is al dente. If it needs more time, cover again and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
-
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Optional: Garnish with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make this casserole gluten-free.
Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone to change the flavor.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
