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Delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

A creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare casserole that combines meatballs, pasta, and cheese for a comforting meal in less than an hour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound frozen meatballs Use beef meatballs, or substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two portions.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch to the final dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a large rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
  3. In the prepared dish, layer the frozen meatballs and cooked pasta. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Spoon this mixture over the top of the meatballs and pasta.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let it sit for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes) or use microwave at 1-minute intervals.