This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the epitome of easy comfort food. Simply toss all the ingredients into a pot, bake, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The frozen meatballs and pasta cook together in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen meatballs (defrosted) | 1 bag |
| Marinara or spaghetti sauce | 1 jar |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Bowtie pasta | 1 box |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¼ cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine ingredients in pot: Add the defrosted frozen meatballs, the entire jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce, water, uncooked bowtie pasta, and Italian seasoning to a high-sided oven-proof pot or skillet.
- Stir to combine: Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bake covered: Cover the pot or skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and absorb the sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Carefully remove the lid or foil from the pot. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered: Return the uncovered pot to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to cool slightly and the sauce to thicken a bit. Enjoy this incredibly easy and flavorful Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole!