Dump And Bake Your Way To A Fantastic Meatball Casserole

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There are so many days when I find myself super busy with the hustle and bustle of life that I forget all about making dinner. There are also those days where I know I’m going to be busy and I need to get something started in the morning as I won’t have time to make a meal later on in the day. That’s when recipes like these come in handy. Dump and bake meatball casserole is just that. You dump all 5 ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Does it really get any better than that? Nope, not really. Enjoy this amazing meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meatball casserole is the epitome of convenience and comfort. With just five simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, hearty meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to relax and let the oven do the work.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package Barilla uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 (14 ounce) package fully-cooked miniature (cocktail-size) meatballs (if using frozen meatballs, make sure that they are completely thawed before using)
• 2 cups Kraft shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend) cheese
• Optional: Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley) for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a large baking dish, stir together uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, and meatballs. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Uncover; stir.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender).

Tips for Success

Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly. Also, stirring the dish after the initial bake helps distribute the ingredients evenly and ensures the pasta is fully coated in sauce.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a bit more flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in a handful of fresh spinach leaves. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses for a richer flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is a balanced meal with protein from the meatballs, carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese. It is a comforting and filling option that can easily fit into your meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta shape. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value and add more flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

Conclusion

Ready to dive into this easy and delicious meatball casserole? Give it a try and let the oven do the work for you. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Enjoy your meal!

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