Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

The Easiest Cozy, Cheesy, Family-Favorite Dinner! 😍🔥🍝

If you love a dinner that requires zero effort but still tastes like a warm, comforting homemade meal, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is about to become a go-to in your kitchen. With no precooking, no fuss, and no complicated steps, everything goes straight into one baking dish — pasta, sauce, water, and meatballs — then bakes into a bubbly, cheesy, hearty casserole the whole family will devour.

Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or when you just want something easy and satisfying, this dish delivers creamy pasta, tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese with almost no cleanup. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!

🛒 Ingredients

1 pound frozen meatballs (any variety)
1 jar/can (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 cup water
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish

🍝🔥 Directions (7 Simple Steps)

1. Preheat the oven

Set oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Add pasta to a baking dish

Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in a 9×13 baking dish.

3. Add sauce + water

Pour the pasta sauce and water over the noodles. Stir to coat everything.

4. Add seasonings (optional)

If using garlic, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, stir them into the mixture now.

5. Add frozen meatballs

Place the meatballs directly on top — no need to thaw!

6. Cover & bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

7. Add cheese & finish baking

Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the casserole, and bake uncovered for another 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.