Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, hearty one-pan meal that combines rotini pasta, savory marinara sauce, fully-cooked meatballs, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires minimal prep and cooks entirely in the oven, allowing flavors to meld beautifully for a comforting Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (24 or 25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
Meatballs and Cheese
- 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly once assembled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley before serving. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to settle before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fully-cooked meatballs to save time and ensure they heat through properly.
- Make sure to cover the casserole during most of the baking time to cook the pasta evenly in the sauce and water mixture.
- You can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, but rotini works best to hold the sauce and meatballs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Keywords: meatball casserole, easy dinner, baked pasta casserole, one-pan meal, Italian casserole, rotini pasta recipe