This Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole has only a handful of ingredients, takes 5 minutes to prep, and results in a delicious, comforting, cheesy Italian casserole that your entire family will love.
16 ozuncooked pastachoose a short variety, like ziti, bowtie, or rotini pasta
3cupswater
24ozjar of pasta sauce
14ozfrozen, precooked meatballs(thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using)
1teaspoonsalt(optional)
½teaspooncrushed red pepper(optional)
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
parsleyoptional, for serving
shredded Parmesan cheeseoptional, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Add the uncooked pasta, water, jar of sauce, meatballs, salt and red pepper to a large 9x13 inch baking dish and mix well to combine. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the aluminum foil and give the dish a good stir. Check the pasta to make sure it’s cooked al dente (soft, but still sort of firm). If not, cover again and bake for 5-10 minutes more.
Remove the casserole dish from the oven and add 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well to combine, and using the remaining cheese, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes prior to serving. Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Choose the best tasting pasta sauce you can find for the best flavor.
Thaw meatballs before making.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Add in veggies or spices for some added nutrition.