Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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The Simplicity of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole; Your Go-To Solution for Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinners

In the bustling era we live in, sometimes there’s nothing more appealing than family-friendly weeknight dinners that are easy to put together.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the epitome of simplicity and flavor, and it comes together in a single dish.

Imagine a hearty meal that requires only 5 ingredients, where you don’t even have to boil the pasta.

It’s the perfect go-to for last-minute meals and a kid-favorite at the dinner table, it offers a hearty meal perfect busy schedules.

With a prep time of less than 5 minutes, this is a comfort food casserole that checks all the boxes.

Why This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a Must-Try

Quick and Easy:

With a prep time of less than 5 minutes, this is the epitome of dump-and-bake meals, perfect for last-minute meals.

Family-Friendly:

A kid-favorite at the dinner table, it’s a go-to for family-friendly weeknight dinners.

Versatile and Practical:

Ideal as a make-ahead meal or for leftovers, this one-pot, hearty meal doesn’t even require you to boil the pasta.

Ingredients: Only 5 Key Players

Each ingredient in this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole plays a crucial role:

• Rotini Pasta: The foundation of our casserole. No need to boil it ahead of time.
• Water: Hydrates the pasta during baking, saving you an extra step.
• Pasta Sauce: Provides the saucy goodness that every meatball casserole craves.
• Precooked Meatballs: The hearty protein that’s ready to go. You can find them in the frozen section at your local grocery store.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, making every bite cheesy.

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Layering the Casserole:

In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rotini pasta.

Pour 3 cups of water over the pasta, ensuring all of it is submerged.

Evenly spread the pasta sauce over the water and pasta.

Sprinkle kosher salt across the layer.

Distribute the thawed precooked meatballs over the sauce layer.

Cover the meatballs with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Baking:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.

Serving:

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.

Serve hot, and watch it become an instant kid-favorite at the dinner table.

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or chunks of grilled vegetables.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a spicy sausage to the meatballs for a kick.
• Cheesy Overload: Add a layer of Parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy delight.

Storage and Reheating: Ideal for Meal Prep

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is great for meal prep and leftovers:

• Storage: Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Most FAQs about Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta

• Can this be a make-ahead meal?: Absolutely! Just prepare, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready.
• Do I have to boil the pasta?: No, the beauty of dump meals like this is that the oven does all the work.
• What to serve with this casserole?: A green salad or garlic bread makes a perfect complement.

For anyone in need of comfort food that’s quick, this one-pot meal is a guaranteed winner.

It’s the epitome of convenience without sacrificing flavor.

So, the next time you’re in a rush or simply want to minimize kitchen time, remember that this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole has got you covered.

Other Recipes to Try!

Love our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole? Don’t stop there! Ground beef offers endless tasty possibilities.

Check out these other easy, delicious ground beef recipes you won’t want to miss!

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Baked Spaghetti

Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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