Description
A quick and easy dump-and-bake dinner featuring frozen meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese baked in a single dish for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.5 pounds frozen meatballs (Italian-style or beef)
- 24 ounces jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or ziti)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water or broth (if needed for liquid coverage)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour uncooked pasta into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the pasta and add Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Add water or broth if necessary.
- Scatter frozen meatballs evenly over the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, and pasta is tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid to cook properly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one-pan dinner, dump and bake, meatball casserole, easy weeknight meals, family dinner, comfort food, quick recipes