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Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Frozen meatballs and uncooked penne bake together in marinara sauce for an easy, cheesy one-dish dinner. No thawing or stovetop pasta cooking is needed.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (16 oz) Frozen, fully cooked meatballs
  • 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups Water
  • 1 lb (16 oz) Uncooked penne or other short pasta
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Add the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water to the dish, then stir until the pasta is coated and mostly submerged.
  2. Arrange the frozen, fully cooked meatballs evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil so steam stays inside during baking.
  3. Bake covered for about 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through. Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Notes

Use the meatballs directly from the freezer; thawing is unnecessary. Keep the foil tightly sealed during the first bake because trapped steam cooks the dry pasta. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.