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Baked Rotini Meatball Casserole

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4.2 from 89 reviews

This Dump and Bake Cheesy Meatball Pasta Casserole is a simple and satisfying one-dish meal that combines uncooked rotini pasta, fully cooked mini meatballs, and rich marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection, this casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 1 jar (24-25 oz) your favorite marinara sauce
  • 3 cups of water
  • 1 pack (14 oz) fully-cooked mini meatballs (thawed if frozen)
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • A handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano, finely chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and water thoroughly so that the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquids.
  3. Add Meatballs: Gently nestle the fully-cooked mini meatballs evenly throughout the pasta and sauce, taking care not to stir too vigorously.
  4. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to cook the pasta partially and heat the meatballs through.
  5. Stir and Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully, stir the pasta and meatballs gently to prevent sticking, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender, sauce bubbly, and cheese melted and golden. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese further, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/baked-rotini-meatball-casserole/