Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, this dump and bake meatball casserole is perfect. Combining frozen meatballs with pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also satisfies the whole family. The best part is that it requires minimal prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 cups water or beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
This delicious casserole is simple to make, requiring just a few steps to bring it all together. Enjoy your meal with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete dinner experience.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Stir and Add Cheese
Remove the foil and give the casserole a stir. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Uncovered
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Meatball Choices
You can use frozen meatballs made from beef, turkey, or chicken based on your preference.
Pasta Variations
Choose pasta shapes like penne or rotini as they hold the sauce well.
Broth Substitute
Using beef broth instead of water can enhance the flavor of the casserole.
Adjusting Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Cheese Options
Experiment with different cheese types, like cheddar or a blend, for a unique flavor.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven ensures that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly. It’s essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor.
Layering Ingredients
When assembling a casserole, layering the ingredients helps to distribute flavors and ensures everything cooks uniformly.
Covering with Foil
Covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking process traps steam, which promotes even cooking of the pasta and meatballs.
Stirring the Mixture
Stirring halfway through baking allows for even melting of cheese and ensures that all ingredients are well combined.
Baking Uncovered
Baking uncovered at the end allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly, adding a delicious texture to the casserole.
Garnishing
Garnishing the dish with fresh herbs adds color and enhances the visual appeal as well as the flavor profile of the casserole.
FAQ
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they may require more time to cook through.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pastas like penne or rotini are ideal since they hold sauce and flavors well, but you can experiment with other shapes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them and mix them in with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Conclusion
This dump and bake meatball casserole is an easy and convenient dish that delivers great flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy.
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