Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

When comfort food meets kitchen convenience, the dump and bake meatball casserole emerges as your weeknight dinner superhero. You'll transform frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, and marinara sauce into a culinary magic trick that practically makes itself. This isn't just another casserole—it's a time-saving, flavor-packed solution that'll have your family asking for seconds. Want to know how a few simple ingredients can create such deliciousness? Keep reading to unlock the secret.

Recipe Highlights

• Combine frozen meatballs, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese in a 9×13 inch greased baking dish for a simple, no-prep meal.
• Preheat oven to 375°F and layer ingredients without stirring: pasta first, then sauce, meatballs, and top with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Bake uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes until pasta is tender, meatballs are heated through, and cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help set and make serving easier, ensuring a perfectly cohesive dish.
• Customize the recipe by experimenting with different cheese blends, adding fresh herbs, or incorporating additional seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.

History

Although meatball casseroles might seem like a modern convenience food, their roots actually trace back to traditional Italian-American cuisine of the mid-20th century. Immigrant families brought cherished recipes from Italy, adapting them to American kitchens and ingredients.

You'll find these dishes emerged from resourceful home cooks who transformed simple, affordable ingredients into hearty meals.

The casserole format became popular during the 1950s and 1960s, when convenience and one-dish meals gained widespread appeal. Families appreciated recipes that could feed multiple people quickly and economically.

Frozen meatballs, introduced commercially in the late 1960s, further simplified meal preparation.

These culinary innovations transformed how Americans approached home cooking, blending traditional techniques with modern efficiency. You can trace the evolution of this beloved dish through changing family dynamics and kitchen technologies.

Recipe

Meatball Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a simple, hearty dinner.

This recipe transforms frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese into a comforting casserole that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender meatballs, melted mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta into a golden-brown masterpiece that will quickly become a family favorite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients meld together during baking.

Ingredients:

• 24 frozen Italian-style meatballs
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.

Spread the uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a base layer.

Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring it covers the pasta completely.

Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs, then top with the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

When preparing this casserole, avoid stirring the ingredients after layering to maintain distinct textures.

If the sauce seems too thick during baking, add a quarter cup of water around the dish's edges.

The casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if cooking from a cold state.

Cooking Steps

First, you'll want to fire up your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish, carefully greasing its surface to prevent any sticky aftermath.

Next, spread your uncooked penne pasta across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that'll serve as the foundation for your casserole, then generously pour marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring complete coverage.

Finish by artfully arranging frozen meatballs on top of the sauce, sprinkling a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs that'll create a golden, crispy topping when baked.

Step 1. Preheat Oven, Grease Dish

Before diving into the meatball casserole preparation, you'll want to get your oven and baking dish ready. Start by positioning your oven rack in the center position and setting the temperature to 375°F, allowing it to fully preheat while you prep.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and thoroughly coat its interior with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. Pay special attention to the corners and sides, where food tends to catch most easily.

Pro tip: Use a paper towel to spread the grease evenly, creating a uniform protective layer that'll make cleanup easier later.

A well-greased dish isn't just about preventing stuck-on food—it's about guaranteeing a perfect, easy-release casserole that slides right onto plates with minimal fuss.

Step 2. Spread Pasta in Dish

While your 9×13 inch baking dish waits patiently, you'll want to create an even layer of uncooked penne pasta across its bottom, ensuring complete coverage without overlapping the pasta too dramatically.

Distribute the pasta methodically, using all 8 ounces to form a uniform base that will absorb the marinara sauce during baking. Press the pasta gently to create a flat, consistent surface that'll provide optimal sauce contact and even cooking.

Your goal is a strategic pasta arrangement that allows each piece to cook perfectly without clumping. Aim for minimal gaps between pasta pieces, but don't stress about absolute precision. The sauce will help the pasta cook evenly, filling any small spaces and creating a deliciously cohesive casserole foundation.

Step 3. Pour Marinara Over Pasta

Drizzle the marinara sauce generously across your perfectly arranged pasta, creating a vibrant red blanket that will infuse every penne noodle with rich, tangy flavor.

Aim for even coverage, letting the sauce cascade smoothly between the pasta pieces, ensuring no dry spots remain. Use a ladle or large spoon to distribute the sauce methodically, tilting the baking dish slightly to help the marinara spread naturally.

The sauce should completely coat the bottom layer of pasta, creating a protective and flavor-packed foundation for the upcoming meatball layer.

Remember that the marinara isn't just a topping—it's a crucial moisture source that will help cook the uncooked pasta during the baking process, transforming simple ingredients into a cohesive, mouthwatering dish.

Step 4. Arrange Frozen Meatballs

After spreading the marinara sauce, you'll want to systematically place your 24 frozen Italian-style meatballs across the saucy pasta landscape.

Position each meatball evenly, leaving about an inch of space between them to ensure consistent heat distribution and optimal cooking. Don't worry about precise placement—a rustic approach works perfectly here.

Think of this step as creating a delicious geometric pattern that'll transform into a mouthwatering meal.

Key placement tips:

• Space meatballs uniformly
• Keep them slightly elevated on the sauce
• Aim for even coverage across the baking dish

Your goal is a balanced arrangement that allows each meatball to nestle into the pasta and sauce while maintaining individual character. The strategic positioning ensures every bite will be equally delectable.

Step 5. Sprinkle Cheese and Breadcrumbs

With your meatballs perfectly positioned across the saucy pasta terrain, you'll now crown this culinary creation with a luxurious layer of cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs.

Generously sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella across the entire surface, ensuring even coverage that'll melt into golden, gooey perfection.

Next, grab your Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and distribute the full cup evenly over the cheese, creating a crisp, golden-brown topping that'll add delightful texture to your casserole.

This strategic layering isn't just about taste—it's about creating visual appeal and complementary textures.

The mozzarella will bubble and brown, while the breadcrumbs transform into a delicate, crunchy crust that provides a satisfying contrast to the tender meatballs and soft pasta underneath.

Final Thoughts

This meatball casserole isn't just a meal—it's a culinary lifesaver for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

You'll love how easily it comes together, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Consider experimenting with different cheese blends or adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of taste.

The dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests. Pro tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this meatball casserole delivers satisfaction in every single bite.