Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining uncooked rotini pasta, precooked meatballs, savory pasta sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese, this casserole comes together in just 45 minutes with minimal fuss. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, bake covered, then finish with a cheesy topping for a comforting and hearty dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bag (14 oz) frozen precooked meatballs, thawed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rotini pasta first. Pour in the 3 cups of water, then add the jar of pasta sauce, the thawed meatballs, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over the top. Gently stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Cover and Bake Initial Stage: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to promote even cooking, then replace the foil and continue baking.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: After the 35-minute bake, remove the casserole from the oven and stir again. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is lightly bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using precooked frozen meatballs cuts down on cooking time and makes this recipe easy to prepare.
- If you prefer, you can substitute rotini pasta with any other short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni.
- Make sure to evenly distribute the pasta and meatballs when assembling for consistent cooking.
- Covering the casserole during most of the baking helps cook the pasta by trapping steam.
- Stirring halfway through baking prevents uneven cooking and sticking.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and avoid burning your mouth.
- To add extra flavor, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or garlic powder with the pasta sauce before assembling.
