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A close-up of a golden-brown meatball casserole in a rustic baking dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by a warm, inviting kitchen setting.

Easy Weeknight Meatball Casserole: Just Dump, Bake & Enjoy!

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Discover the simplicity of making a hearty, flavorful Easy Weeknight Meatball Casserole. Perfect for busy evenings, this dump-and-bake dish combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying and effortless dinner that’s customizable and crowd-pleasing.

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of frozen or homemade meatballs
  • 1 cup of marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Spread the meatballs evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheese on top.
  3. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a melty surface.
  4. Serve the casserole over cooked pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with chopped herbs for added freshness.

Notes

  • Feel free to incorporate your favorite herbs or additional vegetables for variation.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or rice and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
  • You can prepare homemade meatballs in advance and store them for convenience.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Other

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1020mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg