Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
The ultimate comfort food, the Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole combines hearty meatballs, pasta, and rich marinara topped with creamy cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it's an easy one-dish recipe that everyone will love!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds meatballs frozen meatballs defrosted
- 3 cups marinara sauce about 24 ounces, or your favorite pasta sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons Italian spice mix
- 1 pound fusilli pasta or another short shaped pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese I used full fat, see notes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This initial step is crucial as it sets the stage for even cooking.
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your delicious dish comes out easily without tearing.
- If your meatballs are not already defrosted, place them in the microwave on half power for about 4 to 5 minutes. This speeds up the cooking process.
- Now, add the dried fusilli pasta to the casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, so every piece gets coated in the delicious sauce later.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, making sure it covers it nicely. This is where the flavor starts to build.
- Next, add the water to the casserole dish. This will help cook the pasta while it bakes, keeping it tender.
- Place the defrosted meatballs on top of the mixture. Arrange them evenly so that they cook uniformly.
- Sprinkle the Italian spice mix over the entire dish, ensuring that every layer gets some flavor.
- Now, it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender and the meatballs are hot all the way through.
- Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and dollop the ricotta cheese all over the top in six large mounds. Use the back of a spoon to spread it slightly.
- Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the entire pan. This adds that melty goodness we all desire!
- Return the pan to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes to warm the cheese and help it melt into a bubbly layer of deliciousness.
- After that, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!
Notes
- Tip 1: I used a full fat ricotta cheese. If you use a reduced fat ricotta cheese I recommend mixing a beaten egg into the ricotta cheese. This will help keep the cheese from becoming too dry.
- Tip 2: Cottage cheese can also be used if you prefer.