Delight Your Taste Buds with Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Are you in need of a quick and easy dinner idea that the whole family will love? Look no further than Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole! This one-pan wonder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without all the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Join us as we explore this mouthwatering recipe, including variations, keto and low-carb options, and helpful cook notes.

Ingredients:

1 Bag frozen meatballs, defrosted
1 Jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
3 Cups of water
1 Box Bowtie pasta
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 ½ C. Mozzarella cheese
¼ C. Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the defrosted meatballs, marinara or spaghetti sauce, water, uncooked bowtie pasta, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined.
Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
Add Cheese:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake Again:
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Customize the Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce for this recipe. You can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of this casserole by adding diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish before baking.
Try Different Pasta Shapes: While bowtie pasta works well in this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can certainly use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for your favorite cheese blend such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, use low-carb meatballs and replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. You can also use a sugar-free marinara sauce and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Low-Carb Version: Follow the same substitutions as the keto version, and be sure to choose a low-carb marinara sauce with no added sugars.

In conclusion, Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a convenient and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its simple “dump and bake” method, minimal prep time, and crowd-pleasing flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different variations, you can’t go wrong with this hearty and satisfying casserole. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give it a try today!