This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dinner. All the ingredients go into one pan, bake together, and come out as a delicious, cheesy, and hearty meal. With tender meatballs, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a family-friendly favorite you can get on the table in no time.
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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, high-sided oven-proof pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven or a large cast-iron skillet), combine the 1 bag of defrosted frozen meatballs, the 1 jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce, 3 cups of water, 1 box of bowtie pasta, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- First Bake: Cover the pot or skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and absorb the liquid.
- Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Carefully remove the lid or foil from the pot. Sprinkle the 1 ½ cups of Mozzarella cheese and the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the pot to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the casserole to set.
Enjoy this delicious and easy one-pot meal!