Dump And Bake Your Way To A Fantastic Meatball Casserole
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 🌡️
Dump the Base: In the baking dish, combine the 2 cups of uncooked pasta, 1 lb of frozen meatballs, 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. 🧆🍝
Add Liquid: Fill the empty marinara jar with 2 cups of water or broth, shake to collect any remaining sauce, and pour it directly into the baking dish. Stir everything well to mix, making sure the dry pasta is completely submerged under liquid. 💧
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is tender and cooked through. ⏲️
Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. 🧀
Melt & Serve: Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes (or broil for 2 minutes) until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve hot! 🍽️✨
