Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole – The Easiest Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that requires minimal effort, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect choice! This one-pan meal is rich, hearty, and packed with classic Italian flavors—all without the need to pre-boil pasta! Simply dump everything into a baking dish, let the oven do the work, and enjoy a cheesy, saucy, and delicious meal with your family.

This dump-and-bake recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights and is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an effortless comfort food dish, this meatball casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No pre-boiling required – The pasta cooks in the sauce for the ultimate convenience.
Minimal cleanup – Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and store for later!
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients and Their Role

Main Ingredients:

Frozen Meatballs (Defrosted) – Adds protein and hearty texture. You can use beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs.
Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce – The base of the casserole, providing a rich, tomatoey flavor. Use homemade or store-bought sauce.
3 Cups of Water – Helps cook the pasta directly in the dish, making the sauce extra rich.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – Holds the sauce beautifully and stays firm while baking.

Seasoning & Cheese:

Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – Enhances the Italian flavors with a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 ½ Cups) – Adds gooey, melty goodness to the casserole.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ Cup, Grated) – Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a high-sided, oven-proof pot or large baking dish, add the meatballs, marinara sauce, water, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Best Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Use high-quality marinara sauce – A good sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Try a garlic-infused or herb-based marinara for extra depth.
Don’t skip the cover while baking – This helps the pasta cook properly without drying out.
Want extra veggies? Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
Spice it up! For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use fresh herbs – A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving adds a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with:
A fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
Garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) for an elevated dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate busy-weeknight dinner—effortless, comforting, and absolutely delicious! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to meal the whole family will love.

Try this easy dump dinner today, and enjoy a stress-free, mouthwatering meal without the hassle! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!