- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for the magic to happen.
- Combine the frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, water, and uncooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce, like dressing a salad for a grand ball.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This is your canvas, ready to be transformed into a masterpiece.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, like a snowy blanket covering a winter landscape.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a cozy environment for the ingredients to come together in a harmonious blend.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce bubbles with joy.
- Remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, like a sunny day breaking through a cloudy sky.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the flavors to settle, intertwining more deeply.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This final touch adds a burst of freshness, a reminder of spring in the midst of comfort.
This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a promise of comfort, a reminder of simple pleasures, and a call to gather around the table with loved ones. It’s a dish that requires so little yet gives so much, proving that sometimes, the simplest paths lead to the most satisfying destinations. Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad, and watch as it becomes a cherished addition to your family’s recipe collection, a symbol of love, warmth, and the timeless beauty of sharing a meal.