Bert Swope
The Dump Meatball Pasta Bake is an easy one-pot meal that is fast and easy to make. Unlike a traditional lasagna, you don’t have to boil the pasta first. You can find frozen meatballs in the freezer section and use them for this recipe. If you don’t want to cook your own pasta, you can always purchase pre-cooked ones at the grocery store. I used frozen meatballs and thawed them before using them in the casserole. In most recipes, there is a generous amount of mozzarella cheese used in the casserole. I did not use a lot, but it still turned out cheesy.
Origin of Dump Meatball Pasta Bake
This easy and delicious recipe calls for only a few simple ingredients. It can be made in advance, freezes well, and is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a classic Italian comfort food. Its origins date back to the late nineteenth century, when Italian immigrants immigrated to the US. In Italy, meatballs are known as polpettes, and can be made from a variety of proteins.
This pasta bake recipe is quick and easy, combining succulent meatballs with pasta. It is made in one pot, and has a generous amount of tomato sauce to keep the pasta and meatballs moist. The resulting dish is a satisfying, hearty meal that’s healthy and delicious.
When making this dish, it is important to remember that the pasta should be cooked al dente before adding the sauce. You can defrost meatballs ahead of time, or you can precook them. Once the noodles are ready, add the meatballs. Bake until the pasta is al dente, about 20 minutes. You can serve this casserole with steamed vegetables or a crispy salad.
The dish is also good for leftovers. If you’ve made meatballs in advance, this casserole is the perfect way to make use of them. The meatballs are easy to make ahead, so they can be stored in the fridge or frozen until needed. Besides, meatballs are versatile – you can use spicy Italian sausage meatballs, turkey meatballs, and more! You can also add vegetables, cheeses, and sauce to the casserole, and bake it until the meatballs are bubbling. Serve it with garlic bread and enjoy!
Dump Meatball Pasta Bake nutrition
A Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a quick and easy recipe for a hearty dinner. Unlike many other pasta casserole recipes, this one only has a few ingredients, and the great news is that it can be prepared ahead of time. It is also freezer friendly, which is great for busy weeknights.
To make the perfect meatball casserole, you must use quality meat and season it well. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also use Italian seasoning or garlic powder for additional flavor. Bread crumbs are also a great addition to the casserole, as they help bind the meatballs together. To make the bread crumbs, simply tear or pulverize bread in a food processor. Bake the casserole for about 35 minutes.
For best results, use freshly ground beef. It has a more flavorful texture and will be healthier for you than processed meat. Fresh, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and organic pork are all excellent choices for meatballs. Using low-quality meats will result in rubbery, dry meatballs.
Protein in Dump Meatball Pasta Bake
Adding meatballs to a dump meatball pasta bake casserole is a quick way to boost your protein intake. You can use frozen meatballs or homemade ones. The main thing to remember when making a meatball casserole is to make sure that the pasta is al dente, otherwise the dish will be too hard and the meatballs will be rubbery. This casserole is also a good choice when entertaining because the pasta cooks more than the meat.
For the meatballs, use lean ground beef, with a five to ten percent fat content. Using higher-fat ground beef can result in a greasy casserole. You can also use ground chicken or turkey. The heat of the oven fully cooks meatballs and locks in moisture, so you can skip the browning step and reduce prep time.
A 24-ounce bag of frozen meatballs will work as well. They can be nestled into the sauce without defrosting. Cook the meatballs according to the package directions. The meatballs should be perfectly done when the cheese begins to brown. Serve the meatballs with thick slices of bread and a green salad. If you have leftovers, you can even serve them on a toasted hoagie roll.
Can Dump Meatball Pasta be made in a slow cooker?
For a quick and easy dinner, dump meatball pasta is a great option. It is not only filling, but it can also save you money by cutting down on takeout expenses. Using frozen meatballs makes this an affordable option. It only takes about 20 minutes to bring the pressure to cooking temperature and then cooks the meatballs for a few minutes. After cooking, you can use any type of pasta sauce you prefer. For added flavor, try using a basic tomato & basil sauce.
To make dump meatball pasta, simply combine all ingredients and form meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Lightly grease or oil the slow cooker base. Place the meatballs on top of each other, then pour in marinara sauce. Cook the dump meatball pasta in the slow cooker on high for about three to four hours, or low for about six to seven hours. Once the pasta is cooked, top it with some fresh parsley, and serve!
This recipe contains sugar, which helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. When cooking, it is important to check the internal temperature of each meatball before serving them. Usually, the meatballs are ready when they reach a temperature of 160 degrees. For the Nutritional Info, a single meatball with sauce contains about 180 calories. The recipe makes around 29 meatballs and should serve two pounds of cooked pasta.
What should I serve with Dump Meatball Pasta
Dump and bake meatball casseroles are a great choice for busy weeknights because they are so quick and easy to prepare. They only require a few simple ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time. The best part is that this meal freezes well so you can enjoy it anytime you want.
Typically, you’ll need to prepare the meatballs ahead of time, but you can also buy them premade. Turkey or spicy Italian sausage meatballs are great choices for this casserole. Make sure to add plenty of cheeses and sauce to the casserole. Once the pasta is cooked, add the meatballs and stir well. Bake until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly. Serve with garlic bread, if you’d like.
If you are serving this casserole as a meal for a large group, you can add a salad or a fresh salad. It’s easy to make, with just two ingredients: dry pasta and meatballs. You can also add herbs and seasonings to add to the flavor. Then, you can top it with mozzarella cheese, if you like.
Best pasta for Dump Meatball Pasta Casserole
A dump and bake meatball casserole is a quick and easy meal that only requires a few basic ingredients. It’s also freezer-friendly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also great for entertaining guests. To make the most of the dish, you’ll need to thaw the meatballs, and ideally, cook them just before adding them to the casserole.
To prepare the pasta, first, coat a casserole dish with non-cooking spray. Then, combine the pasta with the RAGU sauce and one cup of water. Then, add the meatballs evenly throughout the casserole. Bake at 400 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. After that, remove the tin foil carefully to avoid releasing steam. Then, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Remove from the oven and wait ten minutes before serving.
Once the pasta is soaked in the sauce, place it in a 9-inch square baking dish. Top it with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with herbs and seasonings. Then, add the meatballs, lightly pressing them into the sauce. You can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent uneven cooking and prevent overcooking.
How to store leftover Dump Meatball Pasta Casserole
One of the easiest dishes to make is a dump and bake meatball pasta casserole. It only has a few simple ingredients, is freezer friendly, and can be made ahead of time. This casserole is the perfect meal to take on busy weeknights. Once made, it freezes well and is ready in a snap.
To store this dish for a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the casserole from cooking unevenly. Make sure to use high-quality ground beef for the meatballs, as well as fresh herbs and spices. Be careful not to use too many meatballs, as too many can cause the dish to be rubbery and dry.
When making this casserole, make sure that the pasta is cooked al dente. You should also check that it is firm. If it is hard, cook it more until it is al dente. Then, sprinkle mozzarella on top. Let the casserole sit uncovered for about five to ten minutes, until the cheese melts. To serve, add the remaining meatballs.