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- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef or turkey) - 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup water - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish Gathering these ingredients is easy. You can find frozen meatballs in your local grocery store. Choose beef or turkey based on your taste. I often use penne pasta because it holds sauce well. Marinara sauce adds a rich flavor and keeps the dish moist. The water helps cook the pasta evenly. For cheese, I love using mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for a salty kick. Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. If you want a fresh touch, add basil as a garnish. This dish is not only simple but also quick. You can have a hearty meal ready in just over 50 minutes. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole 🥘. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large bowl, combine frozen meatballs, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Stir until all the ingredients mix well. This step helps to coat the pasta and meatballs in sauce. - Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. - Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes. - After 30 minutes, take off the foil and stir the casserole. Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. - Place the dish back in the oven without the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melting and bubbly. - Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes. - This cooling time helps the dish set a bit, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil if you like. Enjoy your meal! Use store-bought marinara sauce for a quick start. This saves time and effort. Prepping your ingredients ahead makes cooking faster. Chop your cheese and measure pasta before you begin. You can customize your dish with spices or veggies. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or bell peppers for sweetness. Experiment with cheese types too. Cheddar or provolone add a nice twist. Garnish your casserole before serving for a fresh look. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish. This small step makes your meal feel special. Enjoy the lovely colors and flavors! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this casserole for fun! Use shapes like rotini or rigatoni. They add a nice twist. If you need gluten-free options, try rice or quinoa pasta. Both work well and taste great. Want to change the meatballs? You can use turkey meatballs instead of beef. They are leaner and still tasty. If you prefer a plant-based meal, choose vegetarian meatballs. Spice things up with spicy meatballs or Italian-style ones for extra flavor. Don't feel stuck with marinara sauce! Use Alfredo sauce for a creamy option. Pesto adds a fresh taste that is hard to beat. You can also mix sauces for a unique flavor. Try different flavors to see what you like best! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole. To store leftovers in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. The shelf life in the refrigerator is about three to four days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For freezing leftovers, let the casserole cool before putting it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. To divide portions for easy meal prep, cut the casserole into squares. Use small containers to store each portion. This makes it simple to grab a meal on busy days. You can also create balanced meals by adding a side salad or some steamed veggies. This dish is quick and easy. It takes just 10 minutes to prep. The total cooking time is about 45 minutes. So, you will have a hot meal in about 55 minutes. Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just make sure they are cooked. You can reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. This makes it easier if you have fresh ones ready. You can switch up the cheese. Try using provolone or cheddar for a twist. You can even mix in some feta for a sharp flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! Absolutely! Kids love the meatballs and cheesy goodness. The flavors are simple and tasty. You can even let them help make it. It’s a fun family meal for everyone. Yes, adding veggies is a great idea! Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just chop them small and mix them in with the meatballs. It adds color and nutrition to the dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! This blog post detailed a simple and tasty Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. We explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. This dish is easy to make and fun to customize. With a few simple twists, you can make it your own. Whether you choose different pasta, sauces, or cheeses, the options are endless. Enjoy cooking and delighting in every bite!

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Looking for a quick and easy meal? Try this Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole that combines frozen meatballs, pasta, and marinara sauce for a delicious dinner ready in just 55 minutes! With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite cheeses or veggies. Click through to discover the full recipe and make mealtime a breeze! Enjoy a hearty dish everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup water

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen meatballs, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

      Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

        Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.

          Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

            After 30 minutes, remove the foil and carefully stir the casserole. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

              Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6