Cheesy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tucked away in my recipe collection, this dump and bake meatball casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers will adore how effortlessly delicious meals can be prepared with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become less stressful when ingredients combine so magically.

Simple pantry staples transform into a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Convenience meets flavor in this one-pan wonder that requires zero complicated techniques.

Pasta, sauce, and tender meatballs meld together without hours of preparation or complicated steps.

Dinner is about to get seriously delicious – and incredibly easy.

Common Questions About Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. Just ensure they’re fully thawed and sized similarly to frozen meatballs for consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?

While cream of mushroom soup adds richness, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile.

• What type of rice works best in this casserole?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it absorbs liquid well and maintains a good texture. Avoid using quick-cooking rice, which might become mushy during the long baking time.

Reasons to Enjoy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Rescue Weeknight Dinner: Solve mealtime stress with this incredibly simple one-dish wonder that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single baking dish without complicated prep work.
• Minimal Ingredient Mastery: Transform basic pantry staples and frozen ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that requires zero complex cooking techniques or advanced culinary skills.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a crowd-pleasing dish packed with cheesy goodness and classic flavors that will make both kids and adults happy, ensuring clean plates and satisfied smiles around the dinner table.
• Cleanup Champion: Minimize kitchen mess with a single baking dish that goes directly from oven to table, reducing dishwashing time and making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs liquid and creates a filling foundation for the entire dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Beef Broth: Combine to create a rich, creamy base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, stretchy cheese layer on top of the casserole.

• Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.

Cooking Instructions for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a hassle-free meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Create the Magical Mixture

• Frozen meatballs
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Frozen peas

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to give it a flavor boost. No need for complicated mixing – just dump everything together!

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Wrap the dish snugly with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it work its magic for a full hour, transforming those simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

After an hour, carefully remove the foil and shower the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey, golden perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and get ready to dig in! This no-fuss casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pro Tips for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Choose high-quality frozen meatballs for better taste and texture in this quick casserole.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for variety in flavor profiles.
• Rinse uncooked rice before adding to ensure separate, fluffy grains that don't clump together during baking.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for increased nutrition and color contrast.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soup and check meatball ingredients carefully.

Tasty Variations of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Meatball Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, swap peas for corn, add taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatball Bake: Use orzo instead of rice, incorporate tomato sauce, add dried oregano and basil, sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Chicken Meatball Veggie Casserole: Substitute beef meatballs with chicken meatballs, add mixed vegetables like carrots and broccoli, use cream of chicken soup, and garnish with parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole. Its acidity cuts through the creamy soup base while enhancing the meatballs' robust taste.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette. The salad's brightness will offset the casserole's hearty, comforting profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Its buttery, herbal notes will perfectly complement the meatball casserole's savory elements and provide an extra layer of indulgence.

Storage Advice for Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring optimal taste and quality when properly sealed.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss.

Effortless Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting dump and bake meatball casserole brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese create a one-pan wonder you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs

Starches:

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquid and Soup Base:

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Select a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a one-step layering process by combining frozen meatballs, raw rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and frozen peas in a single mix.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper, distributing the spices evenly throughout the casserole.
4. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that allows ingredients to steam and cook thoroughly for 1 hour.
5. After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the foil and generously distribute shredded mozzarella across the surface of the casserole.
6. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling layer.
7. Once the cheese has melted completely and developed a appetizing golden color, extract the casserole from the oven.
8. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
9. Plate the hot casserole immediately, ensuring each serving includes a blend of meatballs, rice, vegetables, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based meatballs for a personalized touch and dietary flexibility.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Save time by preparing this casserole ahead and refrigerating before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Customize the dish by adding extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg