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Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

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A quick and easy casserole combining savory meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 fully cooked frozen meatballs (all-beef or turkey)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions to al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  5. Layer half the pasta mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  6. Arrange half of the frozen meatballs over the pasta layer.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
  8. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, meatballs, and top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
  10. Bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs straight from the bag; no thawing needed. Cover casserole with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute plant-based meatballs and dairy-free cheese. Adjust baking time if meatballs are larger or smaller by 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, cheesy casserole, dump and bake, quick dinner, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-cheesy-dump-and-bake-meatball-casserole-recipe-for-quick-dinners/