Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
A cozy, family-friendly casserole where juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and gooey cheese come together in one pan. Dump, bake, and enjoy—minimal prep, big flavor, and almost no cleanup.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 14-ounce bag frozen meatballs, thawed
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add uncooked rotini, marinara, water, chopped bell pepper, thawed meatballs, salt, and 1 cup mozzarella to the baking dish.
- Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and stir the pasta.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs (if using) and serve.
