Go Back

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole - Easy Recipes with Ground Beef

Let’s be honest—sometimes we just don’t feel like cooking. I mean, if I had a dollar for every time I stood in front of the fridge debating whether I could turn shredded cheese and pickles into a meal, I’d have... well, a lot of pickles. That’s exactly where this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole steps in. It’s like that dependable friend who always shows up with pizza when life feels chaotic. No pre-cooking, no standing at the stove stirring endlessly—just toss it together, bake, and boom—dinner. I whipped this up last week after a particularly long day, and my family? Silent at the table except for the sound of forks clinking. That’s how you know it’s a win. It’s gooey, hearty, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, you *do* have your life together after all. If you’ve got frozen meatballs, dry pasta, and about ten minutes of patience, you’re good to go. Trust me—this casserole will save your weeknight, your energy, and possibly your sanity.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Keywords: blended oats, easy delicious dinners, easy dinner recipes that make good leftovers, easy keto ground turkey recipes, easy recipes with ground beef, ninja creami ice cream recipes with vanilla pudding, quick and easy dinner recipes air fryer
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) box of uncooked pasta (penne or ziti work great)
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 (14-ounce) package frozen meatballs (about 24)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish—you’re not gonna need a skillet today!
  2. Dump the dry pasta straight into the baking dish. No need to boil it. Seriously.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Give it a stir so the pasta’s all coated and swimming happily.
  4. Toss in the frozen meatballs. Just scatter them like confetti. We’re not aiming for perfection here.
  5. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Put your feet up.
  6. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. Yum.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Then dig in like you’ve earned it (because you have).