Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: A Weeknight Winner

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

March 29, 2025

Main dish

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Why You Should Try This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients and Utensils for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:
Utensils:
Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Tips and Variations for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Tips:
Variations:

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Conclusion: Your Go-To Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor. Forget complicated recipes and endless chopping – this casserole truly lives up to its name. Simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result is a juicy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. From the tender meatballs swimming in a rich tomato sauce to the bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and deliciousness. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

Effortless Preparation: The name says it all! Minimal chopping and prep work are required. Just toss everything in a dish and bake.

Time-Saving: Perfect for busy weeknights. The oven does all the work, freeing up your time for other things.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is irresistibly delicious.

Make-Ahead Potential: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Adaptable Recipe: Easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
One-Pan Cleanup: Less mess means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!

Why You Should Try This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Beyond its convenience, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that elevate it above the ordinary. Here’s why you should give it a try:

Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of savory meatballs, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese creates a complex and satisfying taste experience.
Textural Delight: The tender meatballs, hearty pasta, and bubbly cheese offer a wonderful textural contrast.

Cost-Effective: This recipe utilizes budget-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Meal: Serve it for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a family holiday meal.
Perfect for Leftovers: The casserole tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunch or another dinner.

Improves with Time: The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Impresses Guests: Despite its simplicity, this casserole looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)

1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
28 ounces crushed tomatoes

15 ounces tomato sauce
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (16 ounce) package frozen pasta (such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Utensils:

Large mixing bowl

9×13 inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Large spoon for serving
Baking sheet (optional, for catching spills)

Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills during baking.

Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. **Do not overmix.** Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
Form the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, sugar, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.

Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the frozen pasta in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs. Top with the remaining pasta and then generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. **Check for doneness after 40 minutes** and cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations for Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

To enhance your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole experience, consider these helpful tips and exciting variations:

Tips:

For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stovetop for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
Don’t overbake the casserole, as this can dry out the meatballs and pasta.

Variations:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegan cheese and egg replacements.
Spicy Meatball Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for extra heat.
Italian Herb Meatball Casserole: Increase the amount of Italian herbs like oregano, basil and parsley for a stronger herbal flavor.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole: Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the pasta and meatballs for an extra creamy element.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

While the exact nutritional content will vary based on the specific ingredients used, a typical serving of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some essential vitamins and minerals. The ground beef provides protein, iron, and zinc. The tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. The cheese adds calcium and protein. Remember that the nutritional value will also depend on the types of cheese and pasta used. For a precise nutritional breakdown, you can use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. Consider consulting a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized dietary advice. For more detailed information on the nutritional benefits of specific ingredients, please refer to Wikipedia’s page on nutrition.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Your Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Here are some commonly asked questions about this simple yet delicious recipe:

Can I use fresh pasta instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh pasta, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than frozen pasta. Start by checking the casserole after 30 minutes of baking.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What if my meatballs are too dry? Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the meatball mixture to help bind them and keep them moist.

Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Provolone, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
How do I reheat the leftovers? Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. From its simple preparation to its customizable variations, this recipe is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and tag us on social media when you create your own delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! For more easy and delicious recipes, check out our other recipes on OviaRecipes.