5-Ingredient Oven Meatball Pasta Bake

This easy meatball pasta bake is the ultimate no-fuss weeknight dinner. Everything goes straight into one dish—no boiling pasta, no extra steps—just simple ingredients that bake into a hearty, comforting meal.

With tender rotini, savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of casserole that’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

12 oz dry rotini pasta (about 3 cups, uncooked)
24 oz jar marinara or pasta sauce
3 cups water
1 lb frozen fully cooked meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Add pasta: Pour dry rotini into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Mix sauce: In a bowl, combine marinara sauce with water until well blended.
Combine: Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta, gently pressing to help submerge most of the noodles.
Add meatballs: Scatter frozen meatballs evenly over the top.
Cover and bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Add cheese: Remove foil carefully, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
Finish baking: Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Spoon into bowls and enjoy hot.

Serving Suggestions

Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
Steamed green beans or corn

Variations & Tips

Add 1/2–1 cup extra water for a saucier dish.
Use different pasta sauces like garlic, herb, or vegetable-based.
Mix Parmesan cheese with mozzarella for extra flavor.
Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a kick.
Whole wheat pasta may need extra cooking time and a bit more liquid.
Add frozen peas or broccoli for extra vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil.
Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.