Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Hack 🍝🧀🔥

1. Introduction

Looking for an easy meatball casserole recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this dish combines juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all with just 10 minutes of prep. No browning, no fuss—just dump, bake, and enjoy! �️✨

If you love easy dinner recipes like this, you might also enjoy our Mexican Mac and Cheese or our Copycat Chicken Bryan for other simple yet delicious meal ideas.

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this easy meatball casserole recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian) – no need to thaw!
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) – we recommend Rao’s for store-bought
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the more the better!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that extra flavor kick
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – or make your own blend
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) – adjust to your taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish – makes it look restaurant-quality

For more cheesy dinner inspiration, check out our dinner recipes collection featuring dozens of family-friendly meals.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

This easy meatball casserole recipe is so simple that even beginner cooks can make it with perfect results every time. Let’s walk through each step in detail:

Step 1: Arrange the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Spread the frozen meatballs evenly across the bottom of the dish—no thawing needed! This easy meatball casserole recipe skips the extra step of browning, making it a true dump-and-bake wonder.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try using a mix of beef and pork meatballs. If you’re looking for other easy protein options, our breakfast recipes section has great ideas too!

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re fully coated. Use a spoon to gently spread the sauce if needed. For extra flavor, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes right into the sauce before pouring. The sauce keeps the meatballs tender and infuses them with rich, savory notes—key to this easy meatball casserole recipe’s success!

Want to learn more about our cooking philosophy? Visit our About Me page to see what inspires our recipes!

Step 3: Layer the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the saucy meatballs. The cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket—transforming this easy meatball casserole recipe into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. For extra cheesy goodness, you can add an additional layer of cheese halfway through baking.

If you love cheesy dishes, you’ll adore our Potato Chip Toffee for dessert – it’s the perfect sweet ending to this savory meal!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the meatballs to heat through and the flavors to meld. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs. This resting time allows the casserole to set up perfectly. Serve with garlic bread or pasta for a complete meal!

For a refreshing drink to pair with this hearty dish, try our Limoncello Spritz recipe – it’s the perfect balance to this rich casserole.

4. Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole

After testing this easy meatball casserole recipe dozens of times, here are our professional tips for perfect results every time:

• Meatball Swap: Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian twist. The sauce and cheese keep them moist.
• Sauce Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or ricotta for a creamier texture that kids especially love.
• Cheese Variations: Try provolone, fontina, or a blend for deeper flavor. A sprinkle of asiago adds nice sharpness.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
• Crispy Top: For extra crunch, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

For more cooking tips and tricks, check out our external guide to dump-and-bake cooking which complements this recipe perfectly.

5. Serving Suggestions

This easy meatball casserole recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite ways to serve it:

• Garlic knots or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce
• A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing to balance the richness
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition
• Over cooked pasta for a heartier meal
• With a side of our favorite desserts to complete the meal

6. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Serves 6

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g – great for muscle building!
• Carbs: 12g – mostly from the sauce
• Fat: 28g – but it’s the good, satisfying kind
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

For full nutritional disclosures, please see our disclaimer page.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! If using homemade meatballs, we recommend baking or pan-frying them first to ensure they hold their shape, then proceed with the recipe as written. The baking time may be slightly less since they won’t be frozen.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results (about 15-20 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch but may make the cheese rubbery.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This easy meatball casserole recipe freezes beautifully. You have two options: 1) Freeze before baking – assemble but don’t bake, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed. 2) Freeze after baking – let cool completely, then freeze in portions for easy single servings.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can! Combine all ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For more recipe questions, see our terms and conditions regarding recipe use.

8. Why This Recipe Works

This easy meatball casserole recipe has become a reader favorite because:

• Time-Saving: No pre-cooking—just assemble and bake. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary needs – gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Comfort food at its finest, loved by kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters clean their plates.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
• Meal Prep Hero: Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.

9. Conclusion

With just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is the ultimate easy meatball casserole recipe for stress-free dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or need a potluck dish that travels well, it’s a guaranteed hit. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. Try it tonight and taste the magic of minimal effort meeting maximum flavor! 🎉🍴

We’d love to hear how your casserole turns out! Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media. And if you’re looking for more easy dinner inspiration, browse our complete collection of dinner recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Print