Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
3 cups water
1 (16 oz) package uncooked pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni work well)
1 (12-16 oz) package frozen or fresh fully-cooked meatballs
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish
In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, stir together the marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the uncooked pasta to the dish and stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Spread the frozen meatballs evenly over the top of the pasta.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven, carefully remove the foil, and stir the pasta and meatballs gently to mix.
Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.