Description

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining uncooked rotini pasta, savory marinara sauce, and fully-cooked miniature meatballs, this one-dish bake requires minimal prep and delivers hearty Italian flavors with a cheesy topping. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for families looking for an easy but satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
1 (24 or 25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
3 cups water
1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese

Optional Garnish

Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley

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Instructions

Preheat and combine ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked miniature meatballs. Season with salt to your taste and stir everything together until well mixed. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. This time allows the pasta to cook in the sauce and water, absorbing the flavors while heating the meatballs through.
Check pasta and add cheese: Remove the foil carefully and stir the casserole. Check if the pasta is al dente—firm but tender. If the pasta isn’t ready, cover again and return to the oven until it reaches the desired texture. Once the pasta is nearly done, evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese on top.
Bake uncovered: Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the pasta is tender.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your easy meatball casserole.

Notes

Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to allow the pasta to cook properly by steaming.
Adjust water quantity slightly if you find the pasta too dry or too wet; pasta different brands may absorb liquids differently.
To add extra flavor, consider mixing some Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the sauce before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Use fully cooked meatballs to save time and ensure even cooking during the bake.