Looking for a meal that’s hearty, kid-approved, and practically cooks itself? This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole checks all the boxes! You don’t even have to boil the pasta — everything bakes together in one dish for the ultimate fuss-free comfort food.
Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or when you just want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
🧾 Ingredients
You’ll need just 6 simple ingredients to make this easy casserole:
- 1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 bag (about 1 lb) frozen meatballs
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
In a large baking dish or casserole pan, combine:
- The entire jar of marinara sauce
- 3 cups of water
- Uncooked bowtie pasta
- Italian seasoning
- Frozen meatballs
Stir everything together to coat the pasta and meatballs evenly.
Step 3: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
This allows the pasta to cook perfectly in the sauce and water mixture.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and top the casserole with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy a warm, cheesy, satisfying bite of Italian-inspired comfort food!
💡 Tips for Success
- No pre-boil needed! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that flavor.
- Use any pasta shape you have — penne, rotini, or shells all work great.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it extra hearty.
- Make ahead: Assemble everything a few hours early, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dump-and-bake casserole is:
✅ Effortless — No boiling, no pre-cooking, no stress.
✅ Family-friendly — Kids and adults both love it.
✅ Budget-friendly — Uses pantry staples and frozen meatballs.
✅ Customizable — Change up the sauce or cheese to suit your taste.
❤️ Final Thoughts
When life gets busy, this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect go-to recipe. It’s cheesy, comforting, and requires almost zero prep time — just dump, bake, and enjoy!
Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
