Dump-and-Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

This dump-and-bake meatball pasta casserole is the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their back pocket. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time and energy are in short supply. Everything comes together in one baking dish, with no pre-cooking required, and the oven does all the work. The result is a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake loaded with tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce that the whole family will happily gather around.

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If you love low-effort meals that still feel like real comfort food, this casserole is a must-try. You simply add the ingredients to the dish, cover it, and bake. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor as it softens, while the meatballs heat through and release their savory juices into the dish. A generous layer of melted cheese at the end brings everything together into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons this dump-and-bake casserole earns a regular spot on the dinner rotation. First, the prep time is minimal. There’s no need to boil pasta, sauté vegetables, or brown meatballs beforehand. Everything goes in raw, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup.

Second, the recipe is flexible. You can easily adapt it to suit what you have on hand, whether that means swapping vegetables, using a different type of meatball, or adjusting the cheese. It’s also a great option for feeding a group, as it can be doubled and baked in a larger dish.

Finally, this meal delivers big on comfort. Warm pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a cozy, satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s especially welcome on chilly evenings or after a long day.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level: Beginner
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Cook Time: Around 1 hour
Total Time: Just over 1 hour
Cooking Method: Oven-baked, one dish

This recipe is ideal for beginners because it requires no special techniques. As long as you can stir ingredients together and set a timer, you can make this dish successfully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this casserole both easy and flavorful. Exact quantities will be listed in the recipe card at the end of the article.

Short Pasta
Choose a sturdy, short pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or cavatappi. These shapes hold up well during baking and absorb the sauce nicely. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used, but keep in mind that cooking times and liquid absorption may vary slightly.

Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add a savory, earthy note to the casserole and help bulk it up with vegetables. Button mushrooms work perfectly, but cremini or portobello mushrooms are great alternatives if you prefer a deeper flavor.

Marinara Sauce
A good-quality marinara sauce forms the base of this dish. Look for one with simple ingredients and a balanced flavor. If you enjoy making your own sauce, a homemade version works beautifully here as well.

Broth or Stock
Liquid is essential for cooking the pasta directly in the oven. Chicken or vegetable broth keeps the flavor light, while beef broth adds richness. Water can be used in a pinch, but broth will give you a more flavorful result.

Garlic
Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dish. If needed, pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can be used as a substitute.

Frozen Meatballs
Using frozen meatballs is a major time-saver. Italian-style meatballs are especially good in this recipe, but beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs all work well. Be sure they are fully thawed before adding them to the casserole so they heat evenly.

Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella creates that irresistible melted topping. Shredding it yourself is recommended, as freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.

Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best taste and texture.

Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning is all you need to balance the flavors. Season lightly at first, then adjust after baking.

Fresh Herbs
Chopped parsley or basil adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving. While optional, it’s a small touch that makes the dish feel complete.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Choose a large, deep baking dish to give the pasta enough room to cook evenly. Add the dry pasta, sliced mushrooms, marinara sauce, and broth to the dish. Sprinkle in the garlic, then stir everything together until well combined. Gently nestle the thawed meatballs into the mixture so they are partially submerged in the sauce.

Step 2: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial, as it traps steam and allows the pasta to cook properly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. If the mixture looks dry at any point, add a little extra broth or water.

Step 3: Check for Doneness
Remove the cover and stir the casserole well. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be mostly tender. If it’s still too firm, cover the dish again and return it to the oven for a few more minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 5: Season and Garnish
Taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

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Variations, Tips, and Make-Ahead Ideas

One of the best things about this dump-and-bake meatball pasta casserole is how easy it is to customize. Once you understand the basic method, you can adapt it to suit your family’s tastes, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Add More Vegetables
If you want to boost the vegetable content, there are plenty of easy options. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added directly to the dish before baking. Jarred roasted red peppers also work well and add a subtle smoky sweetness. Just be mindful that extra vegetables may release moisture, so keep an eye on the liquid level while baking.

Change Up the Sauce
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with other tomato-based sauces. A tomato-basil sauce adds a fresh, herby flavor, while a spicy arrabbiata sauce brings a bit of heat. For a richer result, stir a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone into the sauce before baking.

Use Different Meatballs
This recipe works with a wide range of meatballs. Beef provides a hearty, traditional flavor, while chicken or turkey meatballs make the dish a little lighter. Plant-based meatballs can also be used to create a vegetarian-friendly version, as long as they are suitable for baking.

Add a Crunchy Topping
If you enjoy a bit of texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese during the last few minutes of baking. This creates a golden, crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the soft pasta and sauce.

Make It Ahead
This casserole is a great option for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Freezing Instructions
Once baked and cooled, this dish can be frozen for later. Wrap it well or transfer portions to airtight containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through. If the sauce looks dry, add a splash of broth before reheating.

Fixing a Watery Sauce
If the casserole seems a bit loose when it comes out of the oven, don’t worry. Cover it and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid, naturally thickening the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This meatball pasta casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread is also a popular choice, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside steamed or roasted vegetables.

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