This 3-ingredient oven chicken meatball casserole is the kind of easy dinner that saves the day when everyone is hungry and time is short. Using frozen chicken meatballs, a creamy sauce, and one simple finishing ingredient, you can put together a warm, comforting meal with almost no prep. It has that cozy casserole feel many Midwestern families love, with a shortcut approach that makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Serve this over hot rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or green beans make great sides, and a little garlic bread on the table turns it into a filling family supper.

3-Ingredient Oven Chicken Meatball Casserole

Servings: 6

Finished creamy chicken meatball casserole in a glass baking dish
Finished creamy chicken meatball casserole in a glass baking dish

Ingredients

1 bag (about 24 to 32 ounces) frozen chicken meatballs

2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish if desired for easier cleanup.

2. Add the frozen chicken meatballs to the casserole dish and spread them into an even layer.

3. Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the meatballs and spread it as evenly as you can so the meatballs are coated.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.

6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, then spoon it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Variations & Tips

Add a vegetable: Stir in frozen peas, broccoli florets, or drained mixed vegetables before baking if you want to round out the meal in one dish. This is a nice way to make supper stretch a little farther for a hungry family.

Swap the cheese: Mozzarella keeps the flavor mild for picky eaters, but Monterey Jack, provolone, or a mild cheddar also work well. Pick a cheese that melts smoothly for the creamiest top.

Make it saucier: If you like extra sauce for spooning over rice or noodles, stir 1/2 cup milk into the soup before adding it to the dish. That little bit helps loosen the sauce as everything bakes.

Season it up: Even with just 3 main ingredients, you can sprinkle on a little garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or Italian seasoning if your family enjoys more flavor. It is an easy way to dress up a pantry-style meal.

Check doneness: Since brands of frozen meatballs can vary in size, make sure they are piping hot in the center before serving. If needed, add another 5 to 10 minutes in the oven and tent loosely with foil if the top is browning too quickly.