One bite in, my husband said, “Whatever this is, don’t lose it.” I printed the recipe immediately
Everyone knows dump cakes are simple—just layer everything together and bake. That same concept works just as well for a hearty dinner. This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is warm, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Even the pickiest eaters tend to go back for seconds. It’s also perfect for prepping ahead and freezing, making it a great option for busy evenings. When cooking feels like too much effort or takeout is tempting, this casserole offers an easy fix: mix, bake, and enjoy.
Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs, thawed
- 1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 box bowtie pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine ingredients
In a deep baking dish or oven-safe skillet, mix together the meatballs, sauce, water, pasta, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Bake covered
Cover the dish and bake for 35 minutes.
Add cheese
Uncover, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
