MEATBALL DUMP CASSEROLE

 

HOW TO MAKE MEATBALL DUMP CASSEROLE?

This dump-and-bake dinner is a perfect example of one of those dishes! It is usually a great hit in my home when it comes to Italian food (and specifically pasta). It’s the fact that you don’t even have to boil the pasta that makes this comfort food dish so special. Isn’t it excellent?

There’s no need to boil the pasta for this quick and simple Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. Family-friendly evening meals don’t get much better than this, especially when you only need a few basic ingredients!

In this recipe, you just mix some dry noodles with marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, cover it with foil, and bake it in the oven while you take care of other things on your “To Do” list. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top, which will melt at the end and become ooey-gooey…and dinner is ready!

Before baking, you may prepare the casserole up to a few hours ahead of time or store it in the refrigerator, covered. As the pasta rests, it will soften and absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to reduce the baking time. Cooking the dish too long can cause the noodles to become mushy and gummy.

THIS EASY RECIPE CALLS FOR JUST BASIC INGREDIENTS, WHICH YOU CAN HAVE ON HAND IN YOUR KITCHEN FOR THOSE LAST-MINUTE DINNERS WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE PREPARING ANYTHING ELABORATE. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE INGREDIENTS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED:

One Pkg.Of uncooked pasta.

One large jar of marinara sauce, use the largest one of 25-ounces.

One Pkg.Of meatballs; The frozen meatballs should be completely thawed before you use them, so make sure they are ready to use.

Water, I used three cups.

2 Cups.Of shredded mozzarella.

Parmesan cheese, to your liking.

Fresh chopped herbs, to add more flavor to your casserole; I used basil, oregano, and parsley!!

PREPARATION:

1st Step:

Set the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.

2nd Step:

Combine the uncooked pasta, WITH marinara sauce, 3 cups.Of water, and meatballs in a 9 by-13-inch baking dish, add salt to taste, season with fresh chopped herbs and mix well.

3rd Step:

Then, put the baking dish in your prepared oven and bake for 35 minutes with a tight-fitting aluminum foil covering.

4th Step:

Remove the lid and give it a good shake. At this time, you should make sure that the pasta is cooked to your liking (firm but just about finished cooking). Then add grated mozzarella cheese, you can also use more parmesan, and return it to the oven, covered, if necessary.

5th Step:

Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes just until cheese is totally melted and pasta is tender.

HOW TO STORE THIS « MEATBALL DUMP CASSEROLE »!!

This casserole is best served soon after it has been removed from the oven. Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after preparation. The pasta may get a little dry after sitting for a while, in which case you may need to add some more marinara sauce when you reheat the meal.
I don’t suggest storing this dish since the pasta has a propensity to get sticky and mushy when thawed after it has been frozen. Having said that, I am aware of some readers who have successfully frozen leftovers without a problem.