Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole is an easy dinner recipe with ziti noodles, chicken stock, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning and turkey meatballs all cooked together in one dish and then topped with mozzarella cheese.
Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole is a delicious one pan dinner recipe.
This baked ziti and meatball casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
This meatball casserole recipe takes about forty-five minutes from start to finish and serves up to 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 thawing some frozen turkey meatballs.
I poured some uncooked ziti noodles into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
I added some chicken stock, pasta sauce and Italian seasoning to the dish.
I stirred until the the pasta was coated in the sauce and submerged in the liquid.
I placed the meatballs on top of the pasta.
I covered the baking dish with foil.
I placed the dish in the oven and baked it for thirty minutes.
After thirty minutes I removed the dish from the oven and stirred the contents.
I checked to make sure the pasta was tender.
I sprinkled shredded mozzarella on top.
I returned the dish to the oven and continued baking until the cheese on top was completely melted and the sauce was bubbling.
I removed the dish from the oven and allowed the casserole to rest for about five minutes.
I topped the casserole with some fresh basil leaves.
Then the meatball ziti casserole was ready to serve.
This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying dinner without all the fuss.
The tender meatballs and pasta soak up the rich pasta sauce, infusing every bite with a satisfying Italian-inspired taste.
Serve this comforting casserole as the star of your dinner table, or pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
It’s the perfect dish to please both kids and adults alike.
If you are looking for an easy one dish dinner recipe, then you need to try this Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta 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 Pasta Casserole:
- 1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 jar pasta sauce, 24 ounces
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 package turkey meatballs, 24 ounces thawed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, optional garnish
How to Make Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- In a 9×13 casserole dish, place the ziti, chicken stock, pasta sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Stir to make sure the pasta is coated with the sauce. Try to get as much pasta submerged in the liquid as possible to ensure it cooks.
- Top the stirred pasta with the meatballs. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and stir the casserole. Check the pasta for doneness, it should be al dente. If it is still crunchy, recover it with the foil and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella and continue to bake for 5-10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving and top with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
FAQS:
How should I store meatball pasta casserole?
Store meatball pasta casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What substitutions could I make?
You can use penne or rotini pasta instead of ziti. You can also swap out the turkey meatballs for traditional meatballs, or even make your own homemade meatballs. I try to serve about 3 meatballs per person.
What should I serve with meatball pasta casserole?
You can pair meatball pasta casserole with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread or a baguette for a satisfying and classic Italian touch.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make for a healthy and colorful side that balances the meal.
- Antipasto Platter: Create a mini antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and assorted cheeses for a Mediterranean flair.
- Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and refreshing appetizer.
- Caesar Salad: The bold flavors of a Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, contrast nicely with the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a hearty and flavorful side dish.
- Breadsticks: Serve breadsticks alongside the casserole for a quick and easy way to mop up any extra sauce.
Ultimately, your choice of side dish can be tailored to your personal preferences and the occasion. Consider the flavors and textures you enjoy most to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole
Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta Casserole is an easy dinner recipe with ziti noodles, chicken stock, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning and turkey meatballs all cooked together in one dish and then topped with mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 jar pasta sauce, 24 ounces
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 package turkey meatballs, 24 ounces thawed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- In a 9x13 casserole dish, place the ziti, chicken stock, pasta sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Stir to make sure the pasta is coated with the sauce. Try to get as much pasta submerged in the liquid as possible to ensure it cooks.
- Top the stirred pasta with the meatballs. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and stir the casserole. Check the pasta for doneness, it should be al dente. If it is still crunchy, recover it with the foil and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella and continue to bake for 5-10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving and top with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 305Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 1148mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 4gSugar: 11gProtein: 18g
This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!