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# Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole: A Hearty, No-Fuss Classic

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time to prepare a nutritious and satisfying meal can be challenging. Enter the **Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole**—a one-dish wonder that combines convenience, flavor, and comfort in every bite. This recipe allows you to “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish, let the oven work its magic, and serve up a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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## 🧾 What Is a Dump and Bake Casserole?

A dump-and-bake casserole is a type of dish where all the ingredients are combined in a single baking dish without the need for pre-cooking or sautéing. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and time-saving nature. For the meatball casserole, frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water (or broth) are layered together, baked until the pasta is tender, and then topped with melted cheese for a comforting, cheesy finish.

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## 🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this easy meatball casserole, gather the following ingredients:

* **Frozen Meatballs**: 1 pound (about 16 to 20 meatballs) of your choice—beef, turkey, or chicken.
* **Uncooked Pasta**: 2 cups of rotini, penne, or ziti pasta.
* **Marinara Sauce**: 3 cups of your favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce.
* **Water or Broth**: 2 cups to help cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce.
* **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese**: 1 cup for a gooey, cheesy topping.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese**: ½ cup for added flavor.
* **Seasonings**: 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
* **Salt and Pepper**: To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes**: Fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.([cookingwithjessica.com][1], [reddit.com][2], [theseasonedmom.com][3])

*Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition.*

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## 🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.([frenchkisscook.com][4])

2. **Assemble the Casserole**:

* Place the uncooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
* Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
* Pour the marinara sauce and water (or broth) over the meatballs and pasta.
* Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.

3. **Bake Covered**: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.([frenchkisscook.com][4])

4. **Add Cheese**:

* Remove the foil and stir the casserole to ensure even cooking.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.([frenchkisscook.com][4])

5. **Final Bake**: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve**: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

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