Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta
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!
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
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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.
Mix Everything Together
- Stir gently so the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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.
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.
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!
Notes
- 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.