Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow your casserole to bake evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Prepare the Pasta Base: Pour the uncooked pasta into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Sauce and Liquids: Pour the marinara sauce, water, and heavy cream (if using) over the pasta. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Add the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce mixture, pressing them down slightly so they’re partially submerged. This allows the meatball flavors to seep into the pasta as they bake.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
- Cover the Dish: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This is essential for trapping steam, which helps cook the pasta evenly.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Uncover and Stir: After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Stir the pasta and meatballs gently to ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy layers with every bite!
Tips for the Best Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best for even cooking in a casserole.
- Extra Creaminess: The addition of heavy cream or milk is optional but recommended for a richer sauce.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the Italian seasoning and garlic powder! You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Custom Meatballs: If you prefer, use homemade meatballs instead of store-bought for extra flavor.
Serving and Storing
- To Serve: Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole is perfect for those nights when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the marinara and meatballs. Enjoy a plateful of cheesy, saucy goodness that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!