Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Bring smiles to your dinner table with the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, a recipe that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort in one dish. This family-friendly meal layers uncooked penne pasta, juicy meatballs, and a savory marinara sauce, all under a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. With just a few simple steps and the magic of your oven, you’ll transform these basic ingredients into a bubbling, golden-brown delight that’s both satisfying and delicious. Ideal for those evenings when time is of the essence but you’re craving something warm and comforting, this casserole promises to deliver on taste without the need for complex cooking techniques or extensive kitchen time.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) bag Frozen Meatballs
- 1 pound Uncooked Penne Pasta
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil Leaves (optional), for garnish
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your oven is at the right temperature before you start baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, add the frozen meatballs, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, ricotta cheese, and half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed.
- Season: Add salt and pepper according to your preference to season the mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. This will help cook the pasta perfectly. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake: Let the casserole bake for about 35 minutes. The dish is ready when the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese Topping: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Broil: Switch your oven to broil and put the casserole back in for about 5 minutes. Watch it closely until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: If you’re using fresh basil, now is the time to add it as a garnish. The fresh basil not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to the hearty casserole.
Notes
- Experiment with Pasta: Feel free to use other types of pasta, such as rigatoni or macaroni, for a fun twist.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the casserole.
- Meatball Variety: Try different types of meatballs, such as beef, turkey, or chicken, to change up the flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Use Homemade Sauce: While store-bought marinara sauce works well, using homemade sauce can elevate the dish even further.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole offers the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With the simple table sheet format for ingredients, you can create this comforting and delicious meal in no time.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and savor the delightful flavors of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. It’s a comforting feast that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction!