This dump-and-bake meatball casserole is an amazing meatball recipe! It is super easy to make with tons of melted cheese on top. A family and kid-friendly casserole that you can easily whip up any time!
Ingredients
1 14-ounce bag of fully cooked, frozen meatballs (thawed)
1 16-ounce package of Rotini pasta – uncooked
2 c. shredded mozzarella
1 24-25-ounce jar Marinara sauce
3 c. water
HOW TO MAKE DUMP AND BAKE YOUR WAY TO A FANTASTIC MEATBALL CASSEROLE
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 425 degrees F.
Step 2: Combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and thawed meatballs in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Using foil, tightly cover the dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Uncover and stir the pasta. If the pasta is still not al dente, replace the cover and continue baking until done.
Step 3: Over the cooked pasta, sprinkle the mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Remove from the oven when done and allow the casserole to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
For an easy meal, you can throw together a salad or garlic bread while the casserole is baking.
If desired, you can garnish the casserole with freshly chopped basil before serving. And sprinkles of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, do not over bake the casserole.
You can half this recipe by baking it into an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Into an airtight container, keep any leftovers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. You can add a splash of marinara before reheating if the pasta dries out.
For the meatballs, you can use cocktail-sized meatballs. Turkey meatballs, Italian meatballs, beef, chicken, or pork meatballs are also great options. Or make homemade meatballs instead of using frozen meatballs.
If using frozen meatballs, thaw the meatballs before adding them to the casserole.
You can use Penne pasta in place of elbow pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
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