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dump and bake meatball casserole in casserole dish on countertop.

Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Author: Sarah Jenkins
​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.
5 from 67 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, main dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 446 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz uncooked pasta choose a short variety, like ziti, bowtie, or rotini pasta
  • 3 cups water
  • 24 oz jar of pasta sauce
  • 14 oz frozen, precooked meatballs (thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • parsley optional, for serving
  • shredded Parmesan cheese optional, 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 23gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 907mgPotassium: 545mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 598IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 175mgIron: 2mg
Keyword easy dinner, easy dinner recipe, few ingredients, quick prep
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