Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole (Air Fryer Version)

Introduction:

Craving a hearty, cheesy, comforting dinner but don’t want to fuss with a bunch of dishes? This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is your go-to solution—no boiling pasta required! Just dump everything into a baking dish, top it with cheese, and let your air fryer do the magic. The result? A bubbly, saucy, cheesy meatball pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time (in air fryer): 28–32 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total: ~35–37 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked short pasta (penne or rotini work great)

2 ½ cups water

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

16–18 frozen cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Equipment:

Air fryer with a large basket or oven-style air fryer

Deep 7–8 inch round or square baking dish (oven-safe and air fryer-safe)

Instructions:

Prep the Casserole Dish:

Spray your baking dish lightly with oil or nonstick spray.

Combine Base Ingredients:

In the dish, add:

2 cups uncooked pasta

2½ cups water

Entire jar of marinara

Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
Mix well to combine.

Add Meatballs:

Place frozen meatballs directly on top of the pasta mixture. No need to stir them in—they’ll heat and release flavor as the dish cooks.

Air Fry – Step 1 (Covered):

Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 20 minutes.

Air Fry – Step 2 (Uncovered):

Carefully remove the foil.

Stir the pasta gently (check if the pasta is softening).

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Air fry uncovered at 360°F for another 8–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly and pasta is tender.

 Tip: If your pasta isn’t fully cooked, add 2–3 more tablespoons of water and cook an extra 3–5 minutes uncovered.

Rest & Serve:

Let the casserole sit in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a green salad or garlic bread (try crumpet garlic bread in the air fryer!)

Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 5–7 minutes.