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The Ultimate Comfort Food: Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

This easy dump-and-bake meatball casserole is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Just toss everything into a baking dish, let the oven do the work, and enjoy a cheesy, saucy Italian feast in no time!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  •  
  • 16 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 14 oz package frozen precooked meatballs (thawed overnight)
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper optional
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  2. Set oven to 425°F (220°C) for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix It Up
  1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, water, marinara sauce, thawed meatballs, and crushed red pepper (if using). Stir well.
Step 3: First Bake
  1. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Stir and Check
  1. Remove the foil, stir thoroughly, and check if the pasta is cooked to al dente. If not, bake for an extra 5–10 minutes.
Step 5: Cheese, Please
  1. Stir 1 cup of mozzarella into the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining cup on top.
Step 6: Final Melt
  1. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
  1. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and Parmesan (if desired). Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the sauce.
  • Use any short pasta shape for variety.
  • Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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