Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Bowl of dump and bake meatball casserole topped with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 40

Total Time 45

A simple dump-and-bake dinner that delivers big comfort with very little effort. Uncooked pasta bakes right in the sauce with juicy meatballs, soaking up all those rich flavors, then gets finished with a generous layer of melty mozzarella. It’s hearty, cozy, and on the table in about 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something easy and satisfying.

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Servings

Ingredients

16 ounces rotini pasta (box) uncooked
3 c water
24 ounces pasta sauce 1 jar
14 ounces meatballs Frozen, precooked
1 tsp kosher salt
2 c mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by heating your oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Casserole: Place the uncooked rotini pasta into the prepared baking dish. Pour in the water and pasta sauce, then add the thawed meatballs and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Gently mix everything together to ensure even distribution. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, remove the dish and give everything a good stir to promote even cooking.
Add the Cheese and Finish Baking: After the initial baking period, remove the foil and give the pasta another stir. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the casserole from the oven. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole!

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular rotini pasta for a gluten-free variety. Many grocery stores carry a wide selection of gluten-free pastas that work perfectly in this dish. Be sure to check that your pasta sauce and frozen meatballs are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten in their ingredients or processing. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole without any gluten, making it a safe and delicious option for everyone at the table.

Nutrition

Bitty