Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

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Dump and bake meatball casserole is packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in a bed of cheesy goodness. This delightful creation will leave you excited and coming back for seconds. Throw together this perfect easy prep and family-friendly meal in just 30 minutes.

Dump and bake Meatball Casserole.

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Dump-and-bake meatball casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some hearty goodness on a chilly evening, this easy meatball casserole is sure to hit the spot.

This recipe couldn’t be any easier using frozen meatballs to make the best casserole ever.

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, try Spaghetti Casserole with Meatballs, Meatball French Bread Pizza, and Meatball Italian Sliders.

A white dish with the finished dish.

Why We Love This Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Simple ingredients make this dump-and-bake casserole perfect for busy weeknights. Cooking dinner has never been easier because of this meatball recipe.

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  • 30-Minute Meal: In just 30 minutes, prepare and cook this yummy cheesy meatball casserole. The bake time makes it great for any meal
  • Easy Ingredients: You need less than 5 ingredients that can come directly from your pantry at home to make this easy meatball bake.
  • Family Friendly: Adults and kids love this recipe so much. Everyone can’t wait to try this recipe.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble all your ingredients on a casserole dish to prepare the meatball casserole the night before.

Ingredient Notes for Frozen Meatball Dump

Seasoning, cheese and the sauce for the dish.
  • Frozen Meatballs: Use store-bought frozen meatballs so this is effortless. These meatballs don’t need to thaw ahead of time because they cook perfectly in the oven.
  • Shredded Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole melts perfectly so everyone gets a cheesy bite.
  • Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a type of pasta sauce, thin and smooth because of how it is made. Make your own Hearty Marinara Sauce easily.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions for Meatball Casserole

A twist on traditional Italian cuisine, this meatball dump takes classic comfort food to new heights.

  • Vegan/Vegetarian Meatballs: Make this yummy recipe so anyone can enjoy it. Use any meatball substitute.
  • Chicken/Turkey Meatballs: Make a leaner easy dump and baked meatball dish by using chicken or turkey so there is less fat.
  • Sliced Cheese: Sliced mozzarella or provolone works great if you don’t have any shredded cheese on hand.

How to Make this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

From its perfectly seasoned balls of meat to its luscious layer of melted cheese, every bite of this casserole is incredible. Have an easy weeknight because you deserve something easy yet delicious.

These are the basic steps for making an easy meatball bake. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Dumping the frozen meatballs with sauce in them.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Dump Meatballs

Next, place the frozen meatballs in a round or 9 x 13 baking dish (make sure they are in a single layer).

Step 3: Dump Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully covered.

Topping with the cheese and seasonings.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Then, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Sprinkle Seasoning

Lastly, sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the dish.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the oven covered with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes, no longer than 35 minutes. Top with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Recipe FAQs for Easy Meatball Bake

Yes. Use a meatless meatball substitute and vegan cheese so anyone can eat this.

Yes. Oven Baked Meatballs is a great homemade recipe to use because of how easy it is.

Yes. Of course, Pasta and meatballs are like peas and carrots, they just go togehter. Use uncooked pasta noodles such as rotini noodles or penne pasta to turn this into a meatball pasta casserole recipe.

Reheat dish in the oven to 350 degrees. The cook time varies because it needs to bake until it is heated all the way through.

Yes. Assemble the casserole the night before and wrap tightly with aluminum foil.

A casserole dish with a serving of the meatballs and cheese taken out.

Expert Tips to Make a Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe

Dump-and-bake meatball casserole will be the next family favorite because it simply tastes amazing. Get ready to bake this meal with ease.

  • Baked Pasta: Make it a complete meal by boiling the pasta, draining and adding it to the casserole. Pasta is tender and top and bake with cheese.
  • Serve with Rolls: Make a sub sandwich because you want something even more filling for dinner.
  • Potluck Dish: This is a great meal to make if you have a party because of its serving size.
  • Different Herbs: Different seasonings or fresh herbs will give you that delicious taste you want because of the flavors. Basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder will make meatball casserole so perfect.

What to Serve with Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Dump and bake Meatball Casserole.
5 from 17 votes

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Dump and bake meatball casserole is packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in a bed of cheesy goodness. This delightful creation will leave you excited and coming back for seconds.
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Ingredients

  • 24 ounces Frozen Italian meatballs, 1 package
  • 48 ounces Marinara sauce
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • Parsley, optional garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  • To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Next, place the frozen meatballs in a round or square baking dish, ensuring they are in a single layer.
  • Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully covered.
  • Then, add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Lastly, sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the dish.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, no longer than 35 minutes. Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional).

Expert Tips

Dump-and-bake meatball casserole will be the next family favorite because it simply tastes amazing. Get ready to bake this meal with ease.
  • Serve with Rolls: Make a meatball sub because you want something even more filling for dinner.
  • Potluck Dish: This is a great meal to make if you have a party because of its serving size.
  • Different Herbs: Different seasonings or fresh herbs will give you that delicious taste you want because of the flavors. Basil, oregano, red pepper flakes and garlic powder will make meatball casserole so perfect.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 1030mg | Potassium: 774mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 936IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 3mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian

6 thoughts on “Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole”

  1. When I go to the recipe for your meatball casserole I get your recipe for sweet and spicy baked beans. Where is the recipe for the meatball casserole?

    Reply

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