Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – The Easiest Family Dinner Ever

Introduction

If you’ve ever wished dinner could make itself, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is about as close as it gets. With just one pot, zero boiling, and practically no prep, you get a bubbling, cheesy, pasta-loaded masterpiece that feeds the whole family.

There’s no browning, sautéing, or babysitting—just dump it all in, bake it, and enjoy a hearty, saucy dish loaded with tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that busy parents, new cooks, and weeknight warriors will come back to again and again.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate hands-off comfort food. Everything goes into one oven-proof pot or skillet—straight from the pantry and freezer. The pasta cooks right in the sauce and water, soaking up all the flavor. Add a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and you’ve got a home-run dinner with virtually no cleanup.

It’s budget-friendly, filling, and easily feeds a crowd, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or freezer-stash prep.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bag frozen meatballs, defrosted
• 1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
• 3 cups water
• 1 box bowtie pasta (about 12–16 oz)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. Dump and stir:
In a deep, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven, combine defrosted meatballs, marinara sauce, water, uncooked bowtie pasta, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together.

3. Cover and bake:
Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 35 minutes.

4. Top with cheese:
Remove the cover, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Rest and serve:
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken and the pasta finishes absorbing flavor.

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Tips for Success

• Use defrosted meatballs so they heat evenly and fully in the oven.
• Stir everything thoroughly before baking to ensure even pasta distribution.
• Letting the casserole sit after baking helps everything come together—don’t skip this step!
• Want a browned cheesy top? Broil the last 2 minutes of baking.

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Add-Ins & Customizations

• Add frozen spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Use spicy Italian meatballs for a kick
• Try mini penne, rotini, or shells if you don’t have bowties
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat or garlic powder for extra flavor

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What to Serve With It

This casserole is a complete meal, but you can round it out with:

• A crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A side of Crockpot Nacho Dip for game-day vibes
• For dessert? Try something bold and fun like Totchos or cool it down with a make-ahead dessert like No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes well—just portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

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More Easy Weeknight Dinners to Try

If you love this easy, dump-and-bake recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy:

• Dorito Casserole – cheesy, bold, and packed with Tex-Mex flair
• Chicken Enchiladas – loaded with creamy, spicy goodness
• Instant Pot Lasagna – lasagna made fast and effortless

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Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the definition of no-stress comfort food. Perfect for when you don’t want to think, stir, or stand over a stove—just throw it all together, bake, and enjoy. It’s a one-dish dinner that delivers in both ease and flavor, and it’s guaranteed to make it into your weekly rotation.

Tried it? Tag your cheesy masterpiece, drop a comment, or follow along for more easy dinners that taste like you worked way harder than you did!