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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a hearty casserole made with frozen Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, ricotta and mozzarella and topped with frozen Texas toast garlic bread.

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Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is an easy casserole recipe that requires very little prep.

This flavourful meatball and garlic bread casserole is sure to be a family favourite. 

This meatball casserole takes a little over an hour from start to finish and serves eight people.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this casserole, I started by dumping some frozen Italian style meatballs into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spreading them out evenly.

I poured some drained diced tomatoes over the meatballs.

I poured marinara sauce over the meatballs.

I spooned some ricotta cheese on top, spacing it out as evenly as possible.

I sprinkled some Italian seasoning over top.

I sprinkled shredded mozzarella on top of the casserole.

Then I placed 8 slices of frozen Texas toast garlic bread on top of the cheese.

I covered the dish with foil.

Then I placed the dish in the oven and baked it, covered, for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes I removed the foil and continued baking the casserole until the garlic bread was starting to brown slightly on top.

I removed the dish from the oven.

I left the casserole to rest for a few minutes.

Then the meatball casserole was ready to scoop and serve.

This hearty casserole is the perfect comfort food.

This meatball and garlic toast casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

If you are looking for an easy casserole recipe, then you need to try this Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole!

More Easy Casserole Recipes You’ll Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

• 32 oz frozen meatballs
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread

How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish well with cooking spray.
3. Dump the meatballs into the baking dish and spread them out evenly.
4. Spoon the diced tomatoes over the meatballs.
5. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
6. Spoon the ricotta over the marinara, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
7. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
9. Place the slices of garlic bread out top of the cheese.
10. Cover the dish with foil and place in the oven for 40 minutes.
11. After 40 minutes remove the foil and continue baking until the garlic bread is slightly browned on top. 10 – 15 minutes.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
13. Slice, serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

How should I store meatball casserole?

To store meatball casserole properly, follow these steps:

1. Let it cool: Allow the meatball casserole to cool down at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and ensures that it reaches a safe temperature for refrigeration.
2. Divide into portions: If you have a large casserole, consider dividing it into individual portions. This allows for easier reheating and reduces the risk of food waste.
3. Use airtight containers: Transfer the meatball casserole to airtight containers or freezer-safe resealable bags. Make sure the containers are appropriate for freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the casserole.
4. Label and date: Label each container with the name of the dish and the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the meatball casserole within the next 2-3 days, store it in the refrigerator. Place the containers on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator door to maintain a consistent temperature.
6. Freezing: If you want to store the meatball casserole for a longer period (up to 3 months), freezing is the best option. Ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. For added protection, you can wrap the containers with an extra layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag.
7. Thawing and reheating: When you’re ready to eat the meatball casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it’s frozen. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at a low to moderate temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker reheating option.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and use your judgment to determine if the meatball casserole is still safe to consume.

What should I serve with meatball casserole?

Meatball casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options you can consider:

1. Pasta: Serve the meatball casserole with a side of pasta to create a complete and satisfying meal. Choose a pasta shape that you enjoy, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Toss the pasta with a simple marinara sauce or olive oil and herbs.
2. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are a classic accompaniment to meatball dishes. You can make your own garlic bread by spreading garlic butter on a sliced baguette and toasting it in the oven until golden and crispy.
3. Salad: Balance the richness of the meatball casserole with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the casserole.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Toss vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
5. Steamed Vegetables: If you prefer a lighter option, steamed vegetables can be a healthy and versatile side dish. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus lightly seasoned with salt and pepper can complement the meatball casserole nicely.
6. Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Another option is to serve the meatball casserole with a side of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The starch helps absorb the flavors of the casserole and adds a comforting element to the meal.
7. Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and prepare some grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, peppers, or corn on the cob. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a nice touch to the meal.

Remember to choose side dishes that complement your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you enjoy and what ingredients you have available.

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