Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Comfort Dinner
A quick and easy dump and bake meatball casserole with just five ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish combines frozen meatballs, creamy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 frozen meatballs (small to medium-sized, pre-cooked; beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 24 ounces of marinara sauce with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until well blended.
- Spread the frozen meatballs evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Do not thaw them first.
- Pour the cream-marinara mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the meatballs are cooked through. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Do not thaw meatballs before baking to keep them moist. Use quality marinara sauce for best flavor. Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. For a crispier cheese top, broil 1-2 minutes watching closely. Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions are possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 22
Keywords: meatball casserole, dump and bake, easy dinner, comfort food, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight meal, cheesy casserole