🍝 Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole
This dump-and-bake meatball casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and everything bakes together in one dish.
🧾 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 lb (450 g) frozen meatballs
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
2️⃣ Layer Ingredients
- Pour half the pasta sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add frozen meatballs evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the meatballs.
- Pour the remaining sauce on top.
- If using pasta, you can layer it here.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
💡 Tips
- Frozen meatballs work best; no need to thaw.
- Add parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- This casserole can also be made ahead of time and baked later.
✅ Bottom line:
This dump-and-bake meatball casserole is easy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
If you want, I can also give you a 5-ingredient ultra-quick version that cooks in under 40 minutes.