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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Here’s a quick and easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole that offers both convenience and flavor. It’s an ideal solution for hectic evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the hassle of complicated cooking.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 (24 or 25-ounce) jar marinara sauce (pick your favorite for the best flavor!)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 (14-ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (thawed completely if frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional garnishes:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, grab your baking dish and let’s get started!
  2. Mix everything together: In the 9×13-inch baking dish, stir together the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Add in the meatballs and a good pinch of salt. Stir again to make sure the pasta is nicely coated and the meatballs are nestled throughout.
  3. Cover and bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This gives the pasta time to absorb the liquid and cook evenly.
  4. Check and stir: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!), give everything a gentle stir, and test the pasta. If it’s still a bit too firm, re-cover and pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
  5. Add the cheese: Once the pasta is al dente, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if using. Serve warm, straight from the dish!

Notes

  • If your meatballs are frozen, make sure to thaw them beforehand to avoid any icy surprises in your casserole.
  • The marinara sauce is the star of the show, so choose a high-quality brand that you love for the best taste.
  • Cooking times can vary based on your oven and the type of dish you use (metal, glass, or ceramic), so keep an eye on the pasta and adjust as needed.
  • Avoid overbaking to ensure the pasta remains tender and not mushy.
  • For a delightful finishing touch, top with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes

Find it online: https://ketogoodeats.com/dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole/