If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug, then the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together juicy frozen meatballs, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and garlicky Texas toast in one effortlessly delicious casserole. It’s one of those rare recipes where you literally throw everything into a pan, bake it, and end up with a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s bursting with layers of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe? The ingredient list is wonderfully simple but each component is essential to creating that perfect balance of taste and texture. From the savory meatballs to the creamy cheeses and flavorful seasonings, everything works in harmony to deliver a rich, soul-satisfying casserole.
- Frozen meatballs (32 oz): Using frozen meatballs saves prep time while still packing incredible flavor and a tender bite.
- Diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz): Adds freshness and a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz): The heart of the casserole, providing tangy tomato goodness and plenty of moisture.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and slightly sweet, it adds a luscious layer that melts beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the dish with aromatic depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Perfect for that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.
- Frozen Texas toast garlic bread (8 slices): A crunchy, buttery topping that crisps up wonderfully in the oven.
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously spraying a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleaning up afterward a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Meatballs
Simply dump those frozen meatballs into the prepared dish and spread them out evenly. No thawing required—one less thing to worry about!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Next, spoon the drained diced tomatoes over the meatballs, followed by an even pour of marinara sauce. This combination keeps the meatballs moist and infuses the casserole with classic Italian flavors.
Step 4: Dollop Ricotta and Season
Now, add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top, spreading it out as evenly as you can. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over this layer to boost the herbaceous aroma and taste.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Garlic Bread
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, then place the slices of frozen Texas toast garlic bread on top, spacing them evenly. This creates a delightful crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist while allowing the flavors to meld. After that, remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the garlic bread is golden and slightly crisp.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier—then slice, plate, and enjoy your hearty creation!
How to Serve Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
Serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to add some crispness, or a side of steamed vegetables for a nutrient boost. A light pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic also pairs wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve straight from the baking dish at the center of the table so everyone can dig in. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through to preserve that perfect texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the garlic bread crisp and cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work just as well; simply make sure they’re cooked through before assembling the casserole to avoid undercooked meat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute meatballs with your favorite plant-based or vegetable meatballs. The rest of the ingredients and method remain the same.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives to keep the creamy texture without dairy, and the garlic bread can be swapped for a vegan version.
What can I use if I don’t have Texas toast garlic bread?
Any thick-sliced crusty bread with garlic butter or olive oil brushed on works perfectly. Just keep an eye on it while baking to avoid burning.
How spicy is this recipe?
This casserole is mild by default, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara if you want to kick up the heat a bit.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are straightforward, cozy, and utterly satisfying, the Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, filled with comforting layers and hands-off ease. Give it a go, and I think you’ll find it becoming a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. Combining frozen meatballs, tangy diced tomatoes, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all topped with garlic bread, this casserole offers layers of delicious flavors and textures baked to perfection in one dish.
Ingredients
Meatballs and Sauce
- 32 oz frozen meatballs
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 24 oz marinara sauce
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic Bread
- 8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Meatballs: Dump the frozen meatballs evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out to form a single layer.
- Add Tomatoes: Spoon the drained diced tomatoes evenly over the meatballs to add moisture and flavor.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs and diced tomatoes to coat the ingredients.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Spoon the ricotta cheese over the marinara sauce, spreading it out as evenly as possible across the dish.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the ricotta layer to infuse the casserole with herby flavors.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top to create a gooey, cheesy crust after baking.
- Add Garlic Bread: Arrange the slices of frozen Texas toast garlic bread on top of the cheese layer, covering the surface.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to cook the meatballs and meld the flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the garlic bread is slightly browned and crisp on top.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Slice the casserole, serve hot, and enjoy this delicious, all-in-one meal.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute fresh meatballs for frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- Feel free to add extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier twist.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta cheeses.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
