Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 can (24 ounces/680g) pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches or similar size) lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the pasta sauce evenly on the bottom.
- Sprinkle the uncooked pasta over the sauce layer.
- Place the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Seasoning:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing the edges to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Add Cheese:
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Until Done:
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown
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- Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Serve the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole hot as a hearty main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies.
Tips:
- You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer softer pasta, stir the ingredients halfway through baking to ensure the pasta is evenly cooked and coated in sauce.
- To make it ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to a day before baking. Adjust the baking time as needed if baking from cold.
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a convenient, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy!
- Serve: