Hi there, friend! I just have to tell you – this recipe is a keeper. I had it at a friend’s party and, not gonna lie… I shamelessly begged for the recipe. And guess what? It might just be better than my mom’s (sorry, Mom!). This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is ridiculously easy, cheesy, and pure comfort in a dish. No boiling pasta. No fancy prep. Just dump, bake, and dig in.
If you love low-effort, high-reward dinners, be sure to subscribe to my email list – this is only the beginning of easy meal magic!
Why You’ll Love This Dump & Bake Casserole
This dish is for the nights when you want something hearty but have zero energy left. And yet, it delivers on every front:
✔️ Just one pot, no pre-cooking pasta!
✔️ Saucy, cheesy, and loaded with tender meatballs.
✔️ Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
✔️ Perfect for potlucks or easy entertaining!
It’s everything you love about spaghetti and meatballs – without the mess.
What Does It Taste Like?
It’s like your favorite baked pasta and meatball sub got together and made the coziest, cheesiest casserole ever. The bowtie pasta soaks up the marinara as it bakes, the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful, and the gooey mozzarella-Parmesan topping brings it all together. One word: YUM.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen meatballs (defrosted) | 1 bag |
| Marinara or spaghetti sauce | 1 jar (about 24 oz) |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Bowtie pasta | 1 box (about 12 oz) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
Tools You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe pot, deep skillet, or baking dish
- Foil or a lid to cover
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or serving spoon
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
✨ Use penne, rigatoni, or rotini instead of bowtie pasta.
✨ Add sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
✨ Use homemade meatballs if you’ve got them!
✨ Spice it up with red pepper flakes or crushed garlic.
✨ Swap mozzarella for provolone or use an Italian blend.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Dump It All In
In a high-sided oven-safe pot, baking dish, or deep skillet, combine:
- Defrosted frozen meatballs
- Entire jar of marinara/spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 box uncooked bowtie pasta
- Italian seasoning
3️⃣ Stir & Cover
Stir well so all the pasta is coated and submerged in liquid. Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
4️⃣ Bake Covered
Place in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
5️⃣ Add Cheese & Finish
Remove the cover. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps everything set up and allows the sauce to thicken. Then scoop it up and enjoy the melty, saucy goodness!
What to Serve with It
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Roasted veggies (broccoli or zucchini pair beautifully)
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
✔️ Use a deep dish so the pasta has room to expand.
✔️ Stir halfway through baking if your dish is shallow – just be careful with hot liquid.
✔️ Want it extra cheesy? Add more mozzarella after baking and broil for 2–3 minutes.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in the oven covered with foil until heated through.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes beautifully – cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F, covered, for about 45–50 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cook the pasta first?
Nope! It cooks in the dish thanks to the water and sauce combo. That’s the beauty of this recipe!
Can I use uncooked meatballs?
It’s best to use cooked (or precooked frozen) meatballs to ensure everything bakes evenly and safely.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just be sure to use a type that holds up well during baking, and check it around the 30-minute mark.
Let’s Wrap This Up!
So now you know the secret behind the dish I couldn't stop talking about – this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is weeknight gold. It’s cozy, it’s easy, and yes… it just might be better than Mom’s (shhh!).
If you love comforting casseroles like this, check out:
- Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake
- One-Pot Lasagna Soup
💛 Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see your cheesy creations! Leave a comment, share your photo on Pinterest, or tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins!
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 21g
- Protein: 24g
🍝✨ Dump it, bake it, devour it – happy comfort cooking!
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