Have you ever craved a dish so easy to make that it feels like cheating, yet tastes so incredible that it becomes the talk of every party? Well, let me introduce you to my not-so-secret weapon – the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
I first encountered this culinary masterpiece at a friend’s party and, believe me, I begged for the recipe. Now, I’m letting you in on the secret, and I have to admit, it’s become my go-to for every gathering. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m convinced it’s even better than my mom’s! Shh, our little secret.
This recipe is the epitome of simplicity meets deliciousness. With just a pound of frozen meatballs, your favorite pasta sauce, and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that will have your guests singing your praises. And here’s the best part – it’s our little shortcut, making entertaining a breeze.
Cooking time:
The cooking time for the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is approximately 30 minutes covered and an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered, resulting in a total cook time of 45-50 minutes.
Here’s a breakdown of the cooking process:
- Covered Cooking (First 30 Minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread half of the pasta sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle uncooked rotini pasta over the sauce.
- Place frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncovered Cooking (Next 15-20 Minutes):
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil to avoid steam burns.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Serving:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 can (24 ounces/680g) pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches or similar size) lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the pasta sauce evenly on the bottom.
- Sprinkle the uncooked pasta over the sauce layer.
- Place the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Seasoning:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing the edges to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Add Cheese:
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Until Done:
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole hot as a hearty main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe lives up to its name – just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and you’re on your way to a delicious meal. Minimal prep work means more time for you to enjoy your gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this casserole packs a punch of flavor. The combination of savory meatballs, rich pasta sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a taste that’s sure to impress.
- Time-Saving Magic: In just about 45-50 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful main dish ready to serve. Perfect for busy days or when you need a quick and satisfying meal solution.
- Versatility: Choose your favorite pasta sauce, meatball variety, or experiment with different cheese blends to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. It’s a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s comfort food elevated, making it a hit at any gathering.
- Secret Shortcut: The frozen meatballs provide a convenient shortcut, saving you the hassle of preparing them from scratch. It’s a culinary secret weapon that makes you look like a kitchen pro.
- Family-Friendly Fare: Loved by all ages, this casserole is a family-friendly option that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. It’s a go-to solution for satisfying everyone’s cravings.
- Melted Cheese Bliss: The final touch of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden brown, gooey topping that adds a layer of indulgence. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
- One-Dish Wonder: With the pasta, meatballs, and sauce all in one dish, you’re spared from multiple pots and pans. Less cleanup means more time to savor the meal and enjoy the company.
- Garnishing Options: Feel free to elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. It not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors.
How to store it :
Refrigeration:
- Cooling Down: Allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation inside the storage container.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the remaining casserole to an airtight container. Choose a container that is suitable for both storing and reheating.
- Labeling and Dating: Consider labeling the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures that you consume it within a reasonable time frame.
- Refrigeration Time: Store the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this period, the quality may start to decline.
Freezing:
- Cooling and Portioning: If you have a larger batch or want to store portions for future use, allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Consider portioning it into smaller servings for easier thawing.
- Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty, zip-top freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
- Labeling: Clearly label the containers or bags with the date of freezing. This information ensures that you use the frozen casserole within a recommended time frame for optimal taste and texture.
- Freezer Time: The Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. While it may be safe to freeze for a more extended period, the quality can start to decline over time.
Reheating:
- Refrigerated Leftovers: If refrigerated, you can reheat the casserole in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish in the oven until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Frozen Leftovers: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, you can use the same reheating methods as for refrigerated leftovers.
