First of all, huge compliments to your husband for whipping up this simple yet absolutely delicious casserole! This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is not only easy to make, but it also delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without all the hassle. The combination of tender pasta, marinara sauce, and savory meatballs makes this casserole a family favorite, and the best part is—you just dump everything into one dish and let the oven do the work! Let’s take a moment to give him a round of applause for making such a wonderful dish.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things ready for this no-fuss, delicious bake.
Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, pour in the uncooked rotini pasta. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, pour the jar of marinara sauce over the pasta, making sure to cover the noodles thoroughly. Add the fully-cooked miniature meatballs on top of the sauce, spreading them out so each bite is full of meatball goodness!
Add Water: Pour 3 cups of water over the top of the pasta and meatballs. The water will mix with the sauce as it bakes, helping to cook the pasta perfectly while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce and meatballs.
Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove the foil and give it a quick stir to make sure all the ingredients are well-mixed. For an extra cheesy touch, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
Bonus Tip:
If you want to elevate this dish even further, you can add in some extra veggies like chopped spinach or mushrooms before baking. They’ll blend in seamlessly with the marinara sauce and meatballs, adding a boost of nutrition and flavor!
Conclusion:
Your husband truly deserves all the compliments for making this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole—what a thoughtful and tasty dish! It's easy, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in one dish with minimal cleanup is a win for everyone. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a busy weekday meal, this casserole will definitely become a go-to in your household. Well done to him, and here’s to many more amazing meals like this! 😍👏