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Baked Meatball Rotini

Featured in Inspiring Dinner Ideas.

Skip the pot of boiling water with this easy pasta bake. Uncooked rotini, meatballs, and marinara sauce go right into the baking dish, creating a delicious one-pan dinner topped with melted mozzarella.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:48 GMT
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A serving dish filled with cheesy baked pasta topped with meatballs and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A serving dish filled with cheesy baked pasta topped with meatballs and garnished with parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

This dump and bake meatball casserole changed my weeknight dinner game. After a long day nothing beats throwing ingredients in a dish and letting the oven do the work. The combination of tender pasta savory meatballs and melty cheese creates pure comfort food magic without the fuss.

Perfect for Busy Days

Five minutes of prep time makes this casserole a lifesaver. The pasta cooks right in the sauce absorbing all those amazing flavors while the cheese creates an irresistible golden top. My family loves the hearty portions and I love how versatile it is.

What You'll Need

Start with rotini pasta it holds sauce perfectly in every twist. Your favorite marinara sauce makes all the difference here. I keep fully cooked meatballs in my freezer just for this dish. Good quality mozzarella creates that perfect cheese pull while fresh herbs brighten everything up beautifully.

A variety of ingredients is arranged in bowls, including uncooked spaghetti, broccoli, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and meatballs, displayed on a marble surface. Pin it
A variety of ingredients is arranged in bowls, including uncooked spaghetti, broccoli, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and meatballs, displayed on a marble surface. | kitchenscroll.com

Making Your Casserole

Heat your oven to 425°F while you mix pasta marinara water and meatballs right in the baking dish. Cover and let it work its magic for 35 minutes. Give everything a good stir check the pasta then add a generous layer of cheese. A few more minutes uncovered creates that golden bubbly top we all love.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables. Spicy marinara gives it a nice kick while plant based meatballs work perfectly for vegetarian guests. The possibilities are endless just keep the liquid ratio the same.

Getting Perfect Results

Make sure those meatballs are completely thawed they'll cook more evenly that way. Check your pasta before adding cheese nobody likes mushy pasta. Fresh herbs and extra parmesan make everything taste even better.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers stay delicious for several days in the fridge. A splash of water when reheating keeps everything perfectly saucy. I often make extra to freeze for those especially busy weeks ahead.

Perfect Pairings

We love this with garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. A simple green salad adds freshness while a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it to the next level. Pour a glass of red wine and dinner is served.

A delicious casserole dish filled with cooked pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A delicious casserole dish filled with cooked pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, most short pasta shapes work well. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta thickness and shape.
→ What if my pasta isn't cooked after 35 minutes?
Simply cover and cook for additional 5-10 minute intervals. Different pasta brands may need slightly different cooking times.
→ Can I use homemade meatballs?
You can use homemade meatballs as long as they're fully cooked before adding to the dish. Make sure they're similar in size to cocktail meatballs.
→ Why cover with foil while baking?
The foil keeps moisture in so the pasta can cook properly. Without it, the liquid would evaporate too quickly and leave you with undercooked pasta.
→ Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best made fresh since the pasta cooks in the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated gently.

Baked Meatball Rotini

A fuss-free pasta bake combining rotini, tender meatballs, and marinara sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese - and the pasta cooks right in the dish!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (2.5 quarts)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Rotini pasta, uncooked (16 ounces).
02 Marinara sauce (24-25 ounces).
03 Water (3 cups).
04 Mini meatballs, fully cooked (14 ounces).
05 Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups).
06 Grated Parmesan cheese for topping.
07 Fresh herbs like basil and parsley.

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven hot at 425°F.

Step 02

Put pasta, sauce, water, and meatballs in a 9x13 baking dish. Add some salt and mix well.

Step 03

Cover dish with foil and bake 35 minutes until pasta starts getting tender.

Step 04

Take off foil, stir everything, and test if pasta needs more time.

Step 05

Sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake uncovered 5-10 minutes until melted.

Notes

  1. Pick your favorite marinara sauce for best taste.
  2. Make sure meatballs are thawed if using frozen.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (mozzarella, parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 25 g