Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

There are times in life when things become so hectic that dinner becomes an afterthought. With work, taking care of kids, and fulfilling other responsibilities, getting a well-cooked meal on the table can be difficult. That’s when the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole comes in handy. This recipe is perfect for those crazy days when you need something hearty yet simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole practically makes itself while still being incredibly tasty.

I vividly remember the first time I made this casserole dish. It was one of those days filled with endless meetings and running errands all over town. By the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed that I needed something easy yet delicious for dinner. When I stumbled across this recipe, it felt like finding a precious gem. All I had to do was “dump” everything into one pot and let the oven do the work. The result? A cheesy, flavorful dish that everyone at home loved.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16-ounce) package Barilla uncooked rotini pasta

1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce

3 cups water

1 (14-ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (ensure they are thawed if frozen)

2 cups Kraft shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend) cheese

Optional:

Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Fresh chopped herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley) for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the casserole cooks evenly and quickly.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Combine Ingredients:
In a large baking dish, mix together the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs. Make sure the sauce covers most of the pasta and the meatballs are evenly distributed.

3. Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The steam helps the pasta absorb the sauce and blend all the flavors together perfectly.

4. Check and Stir

Remove Foil:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the casserole dish, being mindful of the hot steam. Stir the casserole to ensure the pasta is cooking evenly and check if it is tender …