Oh, my God! This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the one dish that makes me think of cozy family dinners. The smell of this casserole cooking in the oven always makes my heart race. It reminds me of cozy Sundays at home with my family around the table. I found this gem during a busy week when I was too tired to do anything complicated but still wanted something filling and satisfying.
The fact that this casserole is so simple is what makes it so special. You just put everything in one dish, bake it, and then relax and enjoy your evening while it cooks. Plus, it has all the good things about meatballs, pasta, and cheese that even the pickiest eaters at your table will love. What else do you want?
This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or just to treat yourself to something comforting.
What goes into the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole?
Good ingredients are the first step to a good casserole. This filling dish has a lot of different flavors and textures that all work well together. Let’s go over what you’ll need:
Any short pasta works well, but I like to use rotini or penne because they hold onto the sauce well. If you want a healthier choice, choose whole wheat!
The best part is the frozen meatballs! I usually choose frozen beef meatballs, but chicken or turkey meatballs are also good. You can always use your favorite homemade recipe, but frozen is a great way to save time!
You need a good marinara sauce for this dish. I usually choose a jarred option that has a lot of flavor and little sugar. If you want to try something new, making your own marinara is a great idea!
Cheese, glorious cheese! I love how mozzarella melts, but if you want to be fancy, you can mix it with provolone or even fontina.
You need a liquid to cook the pasta, like water or broth. Water works fine, but I like to use chicken broth for a stronger taste. The broth also adds another layer of deliciousness!
Italian Seasoning: This mix of dried herbs gives the casserole an Italian flavor that is sure to please. It’s even better if you have fresh herbs. I always choose basil and oregano.
Don’t forget the salt and pepper! A little salt and pepper will bring out the flavors and make everything taste great.
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get them together and start cooking!
Is the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole healthy?
Now, my friend, let’s talk about health. This casserole is definitely tasty and comforting, but it does have some nutritional issues.
Pasta can be a good source of carbs, but make sure to balance it with fiber and protein. If you want something with more nutrients, whole wheat or lentil pasta is a great choice.
Meatballs: They have a lot of protein, which keeps you full for longer. Just remember how much fat is in the meatballs you pick. If you’re trying to cut back on fat, turkey or chicken are great lean options.
The nutritional value of pasta sauce can be very different. Choose foods that are low in sugar and salt to stay healthy. You can always win with homemade sauces because you can choose what goes into them.
Cheese adds creaminess and flavor, but let’s be honest: it can also add a lot of calories. You can cut some of the fat without losing flavor by choosing part-skim mozzarella.
If you eat it in moderation, this casserole can be a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. You can make a balanced meal out of a comforting dish by adding a colorful salad or some roasted vegetables.
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups of short pasta, like rotini, penne, or any other type you like
– 24 ounces of frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey) – 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 ounces)
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 cups of water or chicken broth – 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
– Add salt and pepper to taste.
This recipe makes enough food for 6 to 8 people, so it’s great for families or for eating leftovers all week.
How do you make a dump-and-bake meatball casserole?
Are you ready to start? Here’s how to make this tasty casserole in just a few simple steps:
1. **Get the oven hot:** First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven makes a casserole that is bubbling and golden on top, just the way you want it!
2. **Get Your Ingredients Ready**: Make sure you have everything you need on a clean surface. Having everything measured out and ready to go is a big help. Believe me, this makes the “dumping” part a lot easier!
3. **Mix the Pasta and Meatballs**: Put the uncooked pasta and frozen meatballs in a big casserole dish. Stir them up well to mix them up. As the pasta cooks, it will soak up all the great flavors.
4. **Add the Sauce**: Now is the time to pour in the marinara sauce. You should make sure that the pasta and meatballs are evenly covered.
5. **Add Seasoning and Liquid**: Put the Italian seasoning on top and then pour in the water (or broth). You can add more sauce if you want to spice things up (pun intended).
6. **Mix and Cover**: Gently stir everything together until it is all mixed in. Check to see if the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Then, tightly wrap the dish in aluminum foil to keep in all the steam. This helps the pasta cook just right.
7. **Bake**: Put the casserole in the oven that has already been heated and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You want the pasta to be firm and the meatballs to be hot all the way through.
8. **Add Cheese**: Take off the foil after the first baking time and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Don’t be shy; this is cheese heaven! Put it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
9. **Let It Cool**: Take it out of the oven when it turns that lovely golden-brown color. Leave the casserole alone for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes it easy to serve and lets the flavors mix.
10. **Serve and Enjoy**: Put big portions on plates and get ready for all the compliments you’ll get! To make this meal complete, I suggest serving it with garlic bread or a salad from the garden.
The Magic of Casseroles: Tricks and Tips
Casseroles are all about being creative and flexible. This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is no different, thank goodness! Here are some fun ideas and ways to change things up:
– **Try Different Pastas**: I like rotini or penne, but you can also try elbow macaroni, shells, or even zoodles if you want a low-carb option.
– **Add Veggies**: To make it healthier, add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Put them in raw; they’ll cook perfectly with the rest of the casserole.
– **Change the Meatballs**: Want to try a different flavor? You could also use vegetarian or vegan meatballs instead of Italian sausage meatballs for a different twist.
– **Cheese Options**: If you don’t like mozzarella, try cheddar for a sharper taste, feta for a tangy twist, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
– **Garnish!**: Don’t forget to add some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to make it look and taste better.
– **Make Ahead**: You can make this casserole ahead of time. Just mix everything together and put it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it until it’s hot.
I really hope you try this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole in your kitchen. I’d love to know how it turns out and if you add any fun twists to the recipe. Keep in mind that cooking should be fun. So put on your apron, bring your family and friends into the kitchen, and enjoy this tasty trip together. Have fun cooking!
