Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
🍲 Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) frozen or fresh cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or your favorite)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice) — optional but tasty!
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
2. Layer the casserole:
- If using cooked pasta, spread it evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Add meatballs in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs and pasta.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the sauce.
3. Add cheese:
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
💡 Tips:
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to speed things up.
- Substitute marinara with your favorite pasta sauce flavor.
- Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
