Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: An Easy, Cheesy Comfort Meal

If you love quick, hearty, and delicious meals, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect dish! With tender pasta, juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food—and the best part? No boiling the pasta beforehand!

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this one-pan dinner is quick to assemble and bakes to perfection with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

✅ No Pre-Cooking Required – No need to boil pasta before baking!
✅ Super Easy to Make – Just dump the ingredients in a dish and bake!
✅ Crowd-Pleasing & Family-Friendly – A cheesy, saucy favorite for all ages.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients or add veggies to suit your taste!
✅ Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
3 cups marinara sauce
3 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (optional, based on your sauce’s saltiness)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Spread uncooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the pasta.
Add 3 cups of water (or broth) and stir everything together.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt for extra flavor.
Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta mixture.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and cook properly.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake Again

Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!

This easy, no-fuss meatball casserole is ready to serve in just under an hour—with almost no hands-on work!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

🥗 With a Side Salad – Serve with a Caesar salad or fresh greens.
🥖 With Garlic Bread – A must-have for soaking up that extra marinara sauce!
🍷 With Wine – Pairs well with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
🥒 With Roasted Veggies – Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole

🔹 Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce – A good sauce makes all the difference!
🔹 Don’t Skip the Foil Covering – Keeps the pasta from drying out while baking.
🔹 Make It Extra Creamy – Stir in ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese before adding the cheese topping.
🔹 Use Fresh or Homemade Meatballs – If using fresh meatballs, cook them slightly before adding them in.
🔹 Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Fun Variations to Try

🔥 Cheesy Alfredo Meatball Casserole – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add spinach.
🌿 Veggie-Loaded Version – Add diced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for extra flavor.
🍖 Meaty Mix Casserole – Use a combo of beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs for variety.
🥓 Bacon Lovers Casserole – Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the cheese before baking.
🍆 Eggplant Parmesan-Style – Add slices of roasted eggplant between the pasta and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?

Yes! If using raw meatballs, bake them first for 15 minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! Bake the casserole, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What’s the Best Pasta to Use?

Short pasta like penne, ziti, or rigatoni works best because it holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.

Do I Need to Cook the Pasta First?

No! The pasta cooks in the sauce and water while baking, absorbing all the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a life-saver for busy nights—just throw everything in a dish and bake! The result? A hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal the whole family will love.

Try this super easy, comforting casserole today and enjoy a fuss-free homemade dinner!