Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen meatballs (fully cooked)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the mixture to ensure even cooking, and check that the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
This simple and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights! Let me know how it turns out.