5.0 from 3 votes
Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
Make dinner stress-free with this dump and bake meatball casserole! It’s loaded with cheesy, meaty goodness, super simple to prep, and perfect for busy families looking for a cozy meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 552 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds meatballs - frozen meatballs defrosted, I used a 28 ounce bag, use between 1.5 pounds- 2 pounds meatballs
- 3 cups marinara sauce 3 cups is about 24 ounces, or your favorite pasta sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons Italian spice mix
- 1 pound fusilli pasta or another short shaped pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese I used full fat, see notes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray. Defrost the meatballs in the microwave if not defrosted, half power for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the dried fusilli pasta into the casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Pour the pasta sauce over the pasta. Add the water to the casserole dish.
- Place the meatballs into the casserole dish. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the entire casserole dish.
- Bake the pasta in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are hot all the way through.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the mixture in 6 large dollops. Spread a little with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire pan.
- Place the pan back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to warm and melt the cheese. Then serve and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- I used a full fat ricotta cheese. If you use a reduced fat ricotta cheese I recommend mixing a beaten egg into the ricotta cheese. This will help keep the cheese from becoming too dry. Cottage cheese can also be used if you prefer.
Nutrition Information
Calories
552kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
48g
(16%)
Protein
29g
(58%)
Fat
26g
(40%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Cholesterol
88mg
(29%)
Sodium
605mg
(25%)
Potassium
687mg
(20%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
636IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
7mg
(8%)
Calcium
174mg
(17%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 552
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 552kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 605mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 687mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 636IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 174mg | 17% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.