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A delicious casserole dish featuring meatballs nestled in tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, served straight from the oven.

Easy Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole: Your New Weeknight Go-To!

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Discover an easy and delicious dump-and-bake meatball casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal combines tender meatballs with flavorful marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs, offering a hassle-free dinner solution that everyone will love. Minimal prep, effortless cooking, and great taste make this recipe a weekly family favorite.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of frozen or homemade meatballs
  • 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: sliced fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Additional toppings or side dishes as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large casserole dish, spread the frozen or homemade meatballs evenly across the bottom. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Sprinkle the Italian herbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese on top.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce and meatballs.
  4. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optional: broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a salad.

Notes

  • Use homemade meatballs for extra flavor and freshness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Easy, Family-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/6 of casserole)
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 1020 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg