Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Dump and Bake Cheesy Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A super easy, one-dish casserole featuring uncooked rotini pasta, fully-cooked mini meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all baked together under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This Dump and Bake Cheesy Meatball Pasta Casserole combines convenience and comfort, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 1 jar (24-25 oz) your favorite marinara sauce
  • 3 cups of water

Protein

  • 1 pack (14 oz) fully-cooked mini meatballs (thawed if frozen)

Topping

  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • A handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano, finely chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the uncooked rotini pasta with marinara sauce and water, stirring well so the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid, which is essential for proper cooking.
  3. Add Meatballs: Gently nestle the fully-cooked mini meatballs into the pasta and sauce mixture, distributing evenly without vigorous stirring to maintain their shape.
  4. Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir and Add Cheese: Carefully remove the foil, gently stir to prevent sticking, then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
  6. Bake Uncovered: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender, the sauce bubbly, and the cheese melted with a lightly golden top. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.

Notes

  • For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce.
  • You can also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/dump-and-bake-cheesy-meatball-pasta-casserole-recipe/