Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – A Cozy 5-Minute Prep Dinner
A comforting, hands-off pasta bake loaded with frozen meatballs, marinara, melted cheese, and tender pasta—all baked in one dish with zero boiling required.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 (16 oz) box penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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3 cups water or broth
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1 (24 oz) bag frozen cooked meatballs
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Pour dry pasta, marinara, and water/broth into the dish. Stir gently.
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Add frozen meatballs on top. Press them into the sauce slightly.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
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Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes, until pasta is tender and cheese is golden.
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add chopped spinach or bell peppers before baking for extra veg. Swap in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamy twist.