Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

If you’re looking for an easy dump-and-bake recipe, this dump-and-bake meatball casserole is the perfect meal to make! It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time.

Plus, it’s freezer friendly for those busy weeknights!

This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, bake until cooked through, and enjoy!

This cheezy meatball casserole is simple to make, and perfect for a weeknight meal. The recipe starts with frozen meatballs, which are dumped into a baking dish and covered with sauce. Then, the casserole is baked in the oven until hot and bubbly. It’s easy, fast, and delicious!

What is the secret to good meatballs?

When it comes to making meatballs, you want to use quality meat. You don’t want to use cheap, processed meats because they will not have the same flavor or texture as fresh meat. Instead, try using grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, or organic pork. These meats will not only taste better, but they will also be healthier for you.

In addition to using quality meat, you also want to make sure that you are using the right seasonings. Salt and pepper are a must, but you can also add other spices like Italian seasoning, onion powder, or garlic powder to give your meatballs more flavor.

Finally, don’t forget about the bread crumbs. Bread crumbs help to bind the meatballs together and they also add a bit of flavor. You can either buy pre-made bread crumbs or make your own by tearing up pieces of bread and pulsing them in a food processor.

Ingredients:

• Frozen meatballs defrosted
• Marinara or spaghetti sauce
• Water
• Bowtie pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese grated

How to make Meatball Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Step 2. Add the meatballs to a high-sided oven-proof pot or skillet.

Step 3. Then top with the pasta

Step 3. Add a jar of sauce, water, and Italian seasoning

Step 5. Stir to combine.

Step 6. Bake covered for 35 minutes.

Step 7. Uncover the skillet after the cooking done

Step 8. Top with cheeses and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 10. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Meatball Pasta Casserole?

When it comes to serving a dump and bake meatball casserole, the sky’s the limit. You can serve just about anything with it, from simple sides like steamed broccoli or carrots to more complex dishes like garlic mashed potatoes or Italian wedding soup. However, if you’re looking for something that will compliment the meatball casserole without overshadowing it, consider serving one (or more) of the following dishes:

• Caesar salad
• Garden salad
• Fruit salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Italian wedding soup

Can you Make it Ahead of time for this meatball casserole?

Yes, you can make a meatball casserole ahead of time. Simply form the meatballs and place them in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top, and then bake. You can also freeze the casserole before cooking.

How to store this meatball casserole?

There are different ways to store meatball casserole.

• One way is to cover the dish with plastic wrap and then refrigerate it.
• Another way is to freeze the casserole before cooking it. To do this, place the casserole in the freezer until it is firm, and then wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole Recipe

When it comes to creating the best meatball casserole recipe, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect dish:

• Use fresh ingredients. This is especially important when it comes to meatballs. Be sure to use high-quality ground beef or pork, and mix in fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
• Don’t overfill the casserole dish. If you pack too many meatballs into the dish, they will cook unevenly and could end up dry or rubbery. Aim for a layer of meatballs that’s about 1-inch thick.
• Bake until cooked through. A meatball casserole is not done until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. This should take less than an hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create a delicious and satisfying meatball casserole!

Why are my meatballs hard and dry?

One reason your meatballs might be hard and dry is that you’re overcooking them. When meatballs are cooked too long, the proteins in the meat denature and shrink, causing them to become tough and dry. Another common mistake is not adding enough moisture to the mixture, which can also lead to dry, tough meatballs.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Video

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

If you’re looking for an easy dump-and-bake recipe, this dump-and-bake meatball casserole is the perfect meal to make! It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time. Plus, it’s freezer friendly for those busy weeknights!

4.29 from 728 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 Bag frozen meatballs defrosted
• 1 Jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 3 Cups of water
• 1 Box Bowtie pasta
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ C. Mozzarella cheese
• ¼ C. Parmesan cheese grated

Follow Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Add the meatballs, jar of sauce, water, pasta an Italian seasoning to a high sided oven-proof pot or skillet. Stir to combine.
• Bake covered for 35 minutes.
• Top with cheeses and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 461mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

Author: Laura

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