Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole: An Irresistible & Easy One-Pot Meal 🍝✨

1. Introduction

Are you craving a comforting, hearty dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole. This easy casserole recipe combines savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese all baked to perfection—all in one dish! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious fast dinner, this meatball bake is a crowd-pleaser that simplifies your cooking routine while satisfying everyone’s appetite. Discover how to make this beef casserole that everyone will love, even those who say they dislike leftovers!

2. Why You Will Love This Meatball Casserole Recipe

This meatball casserole is a standout because it is incredibly easy to prepare—no need to roll individual meatballs or make complicated sauces. Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for easy casserole recipes that yield delicious results. Plus, it’s highly versatile, allowing you to swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

3. Ingredients for the Classic Meatball Bake

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup of bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

For more variations and flavor ideas, explore stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese, or try other easy casserole recipes.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Meatball Casserole

Preparation of Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch-sized meatballs and set aside.

Baking the Meatballs and Assembling the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. For a finishing touch, add extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Baking the Meatball Casserole

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

5. Serving Suggestions and Variations

This beef casserole recipe pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. You can upgrade your meal by serving it with easy side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can customize this cheesy hashbrown casserole as a family favorite accompaniment.

6. Storage Tips and Reheating

This delicious meatball bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to retain freshness.

7. Tips for Making the Perfect Meatball Casserole

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
• If you prefer turkey, substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• For a gluten-free version, replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms inside the meatballs for extra nutrition.

8. Related Recipes and Inspiration

Looking for more hearty casserole ideas? Check out our baked mac and cheese or our stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese.

9. Conclusion

In summary, the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, this easy casserole provides a satisfying solution. Embrace the ease of this meatball bake—a true lifesaver for effortless, delicious meals. Try it today and enjoy a classic beef recipe for dinner that everyone will ask for again!

Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: ImcaDiet, Nut-Free

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Description

Discover the delicious simplicity of the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole, an easy one-pot meal that combines savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup of bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
3. Pour remaining marinara sauce over meatballs, ensuring they are coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Add extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked and cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top if preferred.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
• Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• For gluten-free, replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms inside the meatballs for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
• Calories: 350 Kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg