Name: Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole with Sweet Sauce Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 24–32 oz frozen meatballs; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti); 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup water or beef broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

Make weeknights easier with this Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole, filled with frozen meatballs, rich sweet sauce, and cozy one-pot comfort. Simple, hearty, and perfect for fast meatball dinners with gooey cheese and a sweet, savory finish.

Ingredients

Scale

24–32 oz frozen meatballs

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)

2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup water or beef broth

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish.

2. In a mixing bowl whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Scatter uncooked pasta evenly in the baking dish and top with the frozen meatballs.

4. Pour the sweet sauce over the meatballs and pasta, add the water or broth, and gently stir to coat.

5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until the pasta is tender and sauce is bubbling.

6. Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

7. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

8. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: bake
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: dump-and-bake meatball casserole, meatball dinner, one pot dishes, frozen meatballs, sweet sauce, weeknight meals, comfort food, easy dinner, casserole, family meal