Description
This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining penne pasta, savory meatballs, flavorful marinara and Alfredo sauces, and gooey melted mozzarella, this casserole delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal prep and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Liquids
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups beef stock (or water as a substitute)
Protein
- 2 lbs meatballs (frozen or homemade)
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Assemble Pasta and Stock: In a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish, place the dry penne noodles evenly. Pour the beef stock over the noodles and stir to ensure they are all covered.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly on top of the noodles and stock mixture in the dish.
- Add Sauces: Pour the marinara and Alfredo sauces over the meatballs and pasta. Stir gently to coat everything but keep meatballs mostly on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Recover the dish and return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baking is complete, let the casserole sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
- For a homemade touch, feel free to substitute frozen meatballs with your favorite homemade meatballs.
- Use a deep 9×13 casserole dish to prevent spillage during baking; a deep dish ensures even cooking and easy stirring.
- Consider using a quality cheese shredder to quickly shred mozzarella for topping; dishwasher safe options make cleanup easy.
- This casserole is a great option for busy nights when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Keywords: dump and bake, meatball casserole, easy casserole, penne pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, baked pasta, comfort food, one dish meal