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Easy Dump-and-Bake Italian Meatball Casserole


  • Author: Recipe Author
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This one-dish Italian Meatball Pasta Bake combines uncooked pasta, pre-cooked meatballs, and cheese in marinara sauce for a hassle-free weeknight dinner with only 5 minutes of prep time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 (24 or 25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (thawed if frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese; fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and meatballs. Make sure meatballs are completely thawed if frozen.
  3. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to taste and stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and water.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam for proper pasta cooking.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven.
  6. Carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam) and stir the contents. Check if the pasta is al dente.
  7. If the pasta needs more time, re-cover and return to the oven for a few more minutes. If it’s al dente, proceed to the next step.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
  10. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Always use fully cooked meatballs for this recipe – the baking time isn’t sufficient to safely cook raw meat.
  • Different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to cooking time – thicker pasta may need a few extra minutes.
  • The sauce will appear watery at first but will thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid and releases starches.
  • For best results, use a glass or ceramic baking dish rather than metal, which can heat unevenly and cause burning.
  • Use room temperature water instead of cold to help the pasta start cooking faster and more evenly.
  • For a more golden, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes (watching carefully).
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: dump and bake casserole, easy pasta bake, weeknight dinner recipe, cheesy meatball pasta, one-dish meal, family-friendly dinner, Italian casserole