🍝 Easy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole: Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor 🧀
Looking for a delicious, comforting weeknight meal that requires almost no effort? Say hello to the Easy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole! This recipe is a true champion of convenience, using uncooked pasta and pre-cooked frozen meatballs to create a satisfying, cheesy dinner with minimal cleanup. It's a family-friendly favorite perfect for busy schedules.
🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep: True to its name, you just dump the ingredients into a baking dish! No need to boil pasta or brown meatballs beforehand.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in a single casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Maximum Flavor: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce and liquid, absorbing all those rich, Italian flavors as it bakes.
- Customizable: Easily swap out pasta shapes, meatballs, or add in your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
🛒 Ingredients
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
| Uncooked Pasta | 16 oz (1 box) | Short-cut pasta like rotini, ziti, penne, or bowtie works best. |
| Pasta Sauce | 24 oz (1 jar) | Use a good-quality marinara or spaghetti sauce for the best flavor. |
| Water | 3 cups | Essential for cooking the dry pasta in the oven. |
| Pre-cooked Frozen Meatballs | 14 oz to 1 lb (1 bag) | Italian-style or turkey meatballs are great. Thawing them overnight in the fridge is highly recommended for even cooking. |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups | Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt! |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Optional Seasonings | 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried basil, $\frac{1}{2}$ tsp garlic powder, $\frac{1}{2}$ tsp crushed red pepper flakes | For an extra flavor boost. |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Dump and Stir
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