Introduction

If you love hearty, cheesy, and comforting meals but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients, you can toss everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it cook—no boiling required!

This easy, no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort. It’s packed with tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Let’s dive into this dump-and-bake magic!

Why You Will Love It

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta is about to become a favorite in your home. Here’s why:

No Pre-Cooking Needed: No need to boil pasta or cook meatballs separately. Everything bakes together in one dish!
Minimal Prep: Just mix the ingredients, cover, and bake—perfect for busy nights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste amazing and reheat well.
Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients To Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta

Here’s What You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

Uncooked Bow Tie Pasta: 12 ounces (farfalle pasta works best).
Frozen Meatballs: 1 pound (about 20-24 meatballs).
Marinara Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces).
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces, undrained).
Water or Broth: 3 cups (chicken or beef broth adds extra flavor).
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Cheese Topping:

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups.
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated.

Optional Add-Ins:

Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish.
Chopped Spinach or Mushrooms: For extra veggies.

How To Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the uncooked bow tie pasta into the baking dish.
Add the frozen meatballs, spacing them evenly over the pasta.
Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and water or broth.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix Everything Together

Stir gently so the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Add the Cheese

Remove the foil and stir the casserole gently.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Meatball Casserole

Use Quality Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this recipe easy, but if you have time, homemade meatballs will add even more flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
More Cheese, Please! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella.
Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or ricotta cheese before baking for a creamier texture.

What To Serve with Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with a side dish makes the meal even better. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
A Glass of Red Wine: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the tomato sauce and cheese.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-500
Protein	25-30g
Carbohydrates	50-55g
Fat	15-18g
Fiber	4-5g

Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

To make this recipe even easier, here are the tools you’ll need:

9×13-Inch Baking Dish – A good size for this casserole.
Aluminum Foil – Helps keep moisture in while baking.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of sauces and seasonings.

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FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes! If using fresh or homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet before adding them to the casserole.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.

4. What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?

If your pasta needs more cooking, stir in ½ cup of extra water and bake for another 5-10 minutes covered.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use penne, rotini, or rigatoni instead of bow tie pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Recipe Cards

Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

9×13-Inch Baking Dish – A good size for this casserole
Aluminum Foil – Helps keep moisture in while baking
Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients together
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of sauces and seasonings