Are you a fan of hassle-free cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor? If so, you’re in for a treat with this dump-and-bake meatball casserole recipe. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, the convenience of store-bought meatballs means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
The Magic of Dump-and-Bake Cooking
Dump-and-bake recipes are a busy cook’s best friend. There’s no need for precooking or multiple steps; simply combine all the ingredients in one dish, give them a quick stir, and let the oven do the rest of the work. In this meatball casserole variation, the meatballs, pasta, sauce, and cheese all come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the five key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape of rotini pasta is not only visually appealing but also perfect for holding onto the rich marinara sauce. As it bakes in the oven, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce, resulting in perfectly cooked al dente noodles.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of store-bought marinara sauce serves as the flavorful base for this casserole. Its robust tomato flavor provides a comforting backdrop for the meatballs and pasta, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
Water: Adding water to the dish ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the necessary moisture to become tender. It also helps to create a saucy consistency that coats each meatball and noodle with deliciousness.
Miniature Meatballs: Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, miniature meatballs are the star of this dish. Their small size ensures that they cook through perfectly in the oven, while their savory flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Mozzarella Cheese: No casserole would be complete without a generous sprinkling of cheese on top. Mozzarella cheese adds gooey goodness to every bite, creating irresistible cheesy strands that pull away with each forkful.
Cooking Instructions
