Name: 30-Minute Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489311H46M58S
Total time: PT-489311H46M58S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 pound ground beef• 1 cup breadcrumbs• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese• 2 eggs, beaten• 1 teaspoon garlic powder• 1 teaspoon onion powder• 1 teaspoon dried oregano• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Are you in the mood for a comforting, family-friendly casserole that comes together in a snap? Look no further than this incredible Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This casserole is the ultimate in easy, one-dish dinners that the whole family will love. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like it was meticulously prepared, but with a fraction of the effort.

So, grab your favorite baking dish and get ready to experience the joy of a dump-and-bake recipe that delivers big on taste and convenience. Let’s dive in and explore why this Meatball Casserole is about to become a new household favorite!

🌟 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite

There are so many reasons why this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. First and foremost, the flavor profile is out of this world. The combination of savory meatballs, tender pasta, and a creamy, slightly tangy sauce creates a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.

But beyond the taste, this recipe is also a true time-saver. By simply dumping all the ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the work, you can enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. No need to pre-cook the pasta or painstakingly brown the meatballs – everything comes together seamlessly in the oven.

And let’s not forget the incredible texture. The meatballs remain moist and tender, while the pasta develops a delightful al dente bite. The creamy sauce ties it all together, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

🥕 A Look at What Goes Into This Dish

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

The key ingredients that make this recipe truly special are the combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in the meatballs. This not only adds a wonderful savory flavor but also helps to keep the meatballs tender and juicy, even when baked in the casserole. The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano further enhances the overall taste profile.

📖 Follow These Steps for Flawless Results

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is nice and hot, ready to bake your casserole to perfection.
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough meatballs. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, layer the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese. Gently stir to combine. Arrange the prepared meatballs on top of the pasta mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the meatballs are cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it Rest: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes

💪 Understanding the Nutritional Value

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 518 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g

🌿 Fun Alternatives to Try

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is tender.

• To Make it Vegan: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as crumbled tofu or soy-based ground meat. Use vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan mozzarella cheese to keep the dish dairy-free.

• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce, such as sriracha or Tabasco, into the tomato sauce mixture. You can also add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for an extra pop of heat.

🥂 Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

• Main Course Pairing: Serve this Meatball Casserole alongside a fresh garden salad or a crisp, lightly dressed Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the finished casserole with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, a dollop of pesto, and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture.

• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a bold, red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing glass of sparkling water or iced tea would also be a great complement.

❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: Be sure not to overcrowd the baking dish with the meatballs. If the meatballs are too close together, they may steam instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful and textured casserole. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space to brown properly.

• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature before assembling the casserole. This will help them incorporate smoothly and prevent any uneven melting or clumping in the final dish.

• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Properly preheating the oven is crucial for achieving the right level of baking and browning. If the oven is not hot enough, the casserole may not cook through evenly, and the top may not develop that delicious, golden-brown crust.

❄️ Preserve Your Creation: Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Meatball Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover Meatball Casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. This will help maintain the texture of the pasta and prevent the sauce from drying out.

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use frozen, pre-cooked meatballs in this recipe. Simply add them to the casserole dish and proceed with the rest of the instructions. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since the meatballs are already partially cooked.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Simply prepare the meatballs and assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can easily substitute with other short, tubular pasta shapes, such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a pasta with a different size or shape.

How can I make this recipe more low-carb?

To make a low-carb version of this Meatball Casserole, you can replace the elbow macaroni with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. Simply skip the pasta and layer the meatballs, tomato sauce, and cheese directly in the baking dish. This will significantly reduce the carbohydrate content while still delivering a delicious, hearty meal.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole dish, or layer them in between the pasta and meatballs.

🎉 Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Get ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure with this incredible Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe. From the moment the aroma wafts through your kitchen, to the first bite that melts in your mouth, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and get ready to savor every last bite of this comforting, flavor-packed casserole. Bon appétit!