Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or any small pasta shape)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Casserole Dish:

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Spread the frozen meatballs evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Scatter the cooked pasta over the sauce and meatballs.

Add the Cheeses:

1. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta and meatballs.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Season:

1. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top of the casserole.

Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are heated through.

Cool and Serve:

1. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

• This **Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole** is a quick and hearty meal that combines the classic flavors of meatballs, pasta, and cheese into one easy dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!