When you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dump and bake meatball casserole comes to the rescue. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself, combining tender frozen meatballs, your favorite pasta sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this casserole takes just minutes to assemble and lets your oven do all the heavy lifting. The result is a bubbling, cheesy dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Requires just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time
- Uses convenient frozen meatballs – no rolling required
- Everything goes into one dish – minimal cleanup
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters
- Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully
Ingredients
- 24 frozen Italian-style meatballs
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Arrange frozen meatballs in a single layer over sauce
- Pour remaining sauce over meatballs
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
- Remove foil, add both cheeses, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Tips & Variations
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or Italian cheese blend
- Add a layer of cooked pasta before the meatballs for a complete meal
- Use homemade meatballs if you have time
- Mix in sautéed peppers and onions for extra vegetables
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole over cooked spaghetti or with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the rich sauce. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli makes the perfect side dish to round out the meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
- For best results, don’t thaw meatballs before baking
FAQs
- Can I use homemade sauce? Absolutely! Use 6 cups of your favorite homemade marinara.
- Will turkey meatballs work? Yes, any frozen meatball variety will work fine.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- How do I know when it’s done? The sauce should be bubbling and cheese fully melted and lightly golden.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 24 frozen Italian-style meatballs
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Arrange frozen meatballs in a single layer over sauce
- Pour remaining sauce over meatballs
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
- Remove foil, add both cheeses, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
- For best results, don't thaw meatballs before baking
