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.