Introducing the Meatball Dump Casserole: a savory symphony of flavors that meld together effortlessly in a single dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings together tender meatballs, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all crowned with a blanket of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. With just a few simple steps, your oven transforms this humble assembly into a hearty masterpiece, ready to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into the culinary magic of this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Ease of Preparation: With minimal prep work involved, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just combine the ingredients in a Dutch oven, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic.
Family-Friendly: Who can resist the classic combination of meatballs and pasta? This casserole appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a versatile option for family dinners or gatherings.
Satisfying and Comforting: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. The tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to leave everyone feeling content.
Customizable: While the recipe provides a solid foundation, there’s plenty of room for customization. You can add extra vegetables, spices, or even switch up the type of meatballs or pasta to suit your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the rich flavors of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheese, this casserole packs a punch in the flavor department. It’s a dish that’s sure to earn rave reviews from anyone who takes a bite.
Key Ingredients:
Frozen Meatballs: These savory spheres of seasoned meat provide the hearty base for the casserole, adding protein and rich flavor to each bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors, enhancing the taste of the meatballs and sauce.
Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, these whimsically shaped pasta noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully, offering a satisfying texture and serving as the perfect vehicle for delivering flavor.
Spaghetti Sauce or Marinara: Whether store-bought or homemade, the choice of sauce adds depth and richness to the casserole, enveloping the meatballs and pasta in a luscious coating of tomatoey goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese: This mild, melty cheese forms a deliciously gooey layer on top of the casserole, providing a creamy contrast to the savory meatballs and tangy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: With its sharp, nutty flavor, Parmesan cheese adds a final flourish of umami richness to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and aroma.
Meatball Dump Casserole
Ingredients
16 ounces frozen meatballs, thawed
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
8 ounces uncooked Bowtie Pasta
1 jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara3 cups of water
1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400*
Add the meatballs, jar of spaghetti sauce, water, Italian Seasoning and the uncooked pasta into a large dutch oven
Stir to combine all ingredients
Bake for 35 minutes, covered tightly
Remove from the oven and uncover
Sprinkle the cheeses over the top of the casserole
Bake for an additional 15 minutes
Allow to sit on the stovetop for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Thaw Meatballs: Ensure that the frozen meatballs are completely thawed before using them in the recipe. This will help them cook evenly and prevent any cold spots in the casserole.
Choice of Sauce: While the recipe calls for spaghetti sauce or marinara, feel free to use your favorite variety or even homemade sauce for a personalized touch. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Pasta Cooking Time: Since the bowtie pasta is added uncooked to the casserole, ensure that it is completely submerged in the liquid mixture to cook properly. Stirring to combine all ingredients helps distribute the sauce evenly.
Cover Tightly: Covering the Dutch oven tightly during the initial baking time helps create a steamy environment, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole during the final baking stage adds a deliciously cheesy crust to the dish. Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.
Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to sit on the stovetop for 10 minutes before serving helps it set slightly, making it easier to portion and enhancing the flavors.
Serve Hot: This casserole is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience.
Nutrition Information:
Calories:300 | Protein: 15 grams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Fiber: 3 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs if you prefer.
Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works well in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you like.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I have to use a Dutch oven?
While a Dutch oven is recommended for even cooking, you can use any large oven-safe dish with a lid.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can customize the cheese topping to your preference.
Try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute vegetarian meatballs and vegetable broth for the frozen meatballs and water to make a delicious vegetarian version of this casserole.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, including the meatballs and sauce, are gluten-free as well.