Life can be hectic, especially for busy parents trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between. Amidst the chaos, cooking a delicious, home-cooked meal may seem like an impossible task. But what if you could create a mouth-watering dish without spending hours in the kitchen? Enter the Dump-and-Go Meatball Lasagna—a game-changing recipe that promises rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort. And bonus? My kids LOVE it - I bet yours will too!
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Dump-and-Go Meatball Lasagna
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Dump-and-Go Meatball Lasagna
Ingredients
- 12 meatballs
- 1 ½ cups pasta
- 400 ml 14 oz tomato sauce
- ⅔ cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon dry italian herbs
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Pour tomato sauce into a casserole dish, add chicken stock and italian herbs. Adjust with salt, sugar and pepper if needed.400 ml 14 oz tomato sauce, ⅔ cup chicken stock, ½ teaspoon dry italian herbs
- Combine tomato sauce with pasta and top with meatballs. Cover with foil and bake for 45-55 minutes.12 meatballs, 1 ½ cups pasta, 1 cup mozzarella
- Remove the foil and top with mozzarella. Bake for 8 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 12 meatballs
- 1 ½ cups pasta
- 400 ml (14 oz) tomato sauce
- ⅔ cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon dry italian herbs
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Pour tomato sauce into a casserole dish, add chicken stock and italian herbs. Adjust with salt, sugar and pepper if needed.
Combine tomato sauce with pasta and top with meatballs. Cover with foil and bake for 45-55 minutes.
Remove the foil and top with mozzarella. Bake for 8 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
A Balanced Meal
Pairing your Dump-and-Go Meatball Lasagna with the right sides can make all the difference. A crisp, fresh salad is a fantastic choice that balances out the richness of the lasagna. Opt for a simple garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crunchiness and acidity will perfectly complement the cheesy, tomatoey goodness of the meatball lasagna.
Garlic Bread Perfection
Nothing says comfort food like a warm, buttery piece of garlic bread. It's incredibly easy to make and pairs wonderfully with lasagna. Slice a loaf of French bread, spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on each slice, and toast until golden brown. The fragrant garlic and parsley add a delightful aroma and flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
Steamed Vegetables
For those looking to add a healthy twist, steamed vegetables are the way to go. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are excellent choices. Simply steam them until tender and season with a bit of salt and pepper. The natural flavors of the vegetables will offer a refreshing contrast to the robust taste of the meatball lasagna.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Opt for Quality Ingredients
One of the secrets to making an extraordinary Dump-and-Go Meatball Lasagna is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, and premium meatballs can elevate your dish from good to great. Always opt for the best ingredients you can find; your taste buds will thank you.
Customize Your Herbs
While the recipe calls for dry Italian herbs, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Adding fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color. You can sprinkle them over the lasagna just before serving for an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.
Cheese Variations
If you're a cheese lover, don't limit yourself to just mozzarella. A blend of cheeses can add complexity to your dish. Consider adding ricotta for creaminess or Parmesan for a nutty flavor. A mix of these cheeses will create a mouthwatering, gooey texture that's hard to resist.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a convenient option and work just as well in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding them to the casserole dish to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze. Once the lasagna has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the lasagna up to the baking step and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Is There a Vegetarian Version?
Certainly! For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. The rest of the recipe remains the same, offering a delicious, meat-free alternative that even non-vegetarians will enjoy.
What Pasta Should I Use?
The recipe is quite forgiving when it comes to the type of pasta. Penne, ziti, or even rotini work well. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and can withstand baking without becoming mushy.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
Nothing says delicious like a creamy pasta casserole dish. Not only do the kids love it, but I love how easy they are to make - and how there's never very much leftover! Check out these amazingly easy and yummy pasta casseroles:
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