15 Weeknight Dinners To Make With Jarred Marinara

Tired of figuring out what to cook after a long day? Having a jar of marinara sauce in your pantry can be a real lifesaver for quick and delicious weeknight dinners. It’s one of those versatile ingredients that can transform simple meals into something special without much effort. With just a few other ingredients, you can whip up dishes that feel comforting and satisfying, even when time is tight.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

For a classic spaghetti with meat sauce, sauté 1 pound of ground beef in a pan until browned. Add 1 jar of marinara sauce, simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions. Once cooked, toss the pasta with the sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve with a side of garlic bread. This dish is perfect for a quick and comforting meal.

Chicken Parmesan

Bread 4 chicken breasts by coating them in flour, dipping in egg, and covering with breadcrumbs. Fry the chicken in a pan until golden, then top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of spaghetti or a fresh salad. This is a restaurant-quality meal made easy at home.

Baked Ziti

Mix 1 pound of cooked ziti pasta with 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish, add 1 cup of mozzarella, and top with the remaining pasta. Cover with 1 more cup of marinara and sprinkle with additional mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly. This comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.

Eggplant Parmesan

Slice 2 large eggplants into rounds, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake at 400°F until crispy. Layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of pasta or a simple green salad. It’s a vegetarian favorite that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.

Meatball Subs

Prepare 1 pound of meatballs (either homemade or store-bought) and simmer them in 2 cups of marinara sauce for 15 minutes. Toast 4 sub rolls, place the meatballs inside, and top with shredded mozzarella. Broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This hearty sandwich is a family-friendly option for a quick dinner.

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Cook 8 lasagna noodles, spread each with ricotta cheese, and roll them up. Place the rolls in a baking dish with marinara sauce on the bottom, then top with more sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. This twist on traditional lasagna is faster and easier, but just as satisfying.

Pizza Casserole

Cook 12 ounces of pasta and toss with 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of sliced pepperoni, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Top with extra pepperoni and cheese before serving. It’s like having pizza in casserole form, perfect for a fun family dinner.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds. Mix 1 cup of cooked rice with 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of marinara sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. This dish is hearty, nutritious, and a great way to use jarred sauce.

Shrimp Marinara

Sauté 1 pound of shrimp with garlic and olive oil until pink. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Toss with 12 ounces of cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh parsley. This seafood pasta is elegant but quick enough for a weeknight.

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

Boil 20 large pasta shells and fill each with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan. Arrange the shells in a baking dish with marinara sauce on the bottom and top with more sauce and mozzarella. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. It’s a filling and satisfying meat-free meal.

Cheesy Meatball Bake

Arrange 12 cooked meatballs in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with crusty bread for a deliciously easy meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Italian Sausage and Peppers

Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a skillet, then add 2 bell peppers and 1 onion, sliced. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve with pasta or on hoagie rolls. This is a bold, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly.

Marinara Poached Eggs

In a skillet, bring 2 cups of marinara sauce to a simmer. Crack 4 eggs into the sauce and cover the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. This is a fun and easy way to enjoy eggs for dinner.

Polenta with Marinara and Sausage

Cook 1 cup of polenta according to the package instructions. Top with 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil. This is a comforting, hearty meal that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.

Marinara Stuffed Mushrooms

Remove the stems from large portobello mushrooms, and fill the caps with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve as a main course or a side dish. This vegetarian option is hearty and packed with flavor.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

12 Exclusive Dollar Tree Essentials Worth Grabbing

Have you ever stepped into Dollar Tree expecting their usual arrangement of budget-friendly goods, and then stumble into an unexpectedly delightful product? It’s in these moments you’ll realize that there are a lot of interesting discoveries at Dollar Tree that you will not find anywhere else. Next time you visit Dollar Tree, check out these cheap essentials you might want to get your hands on. Read More

11 International Fast-Food Treats Unavailable in the US

We all know the usual fast food suspects in the US, but have you ever imagined what people are munching on in other parts of the world? From unexpected ingredients to creative twists on classics, these international fast-food items are worth a taste. Join us as we explore 12 fast food orders from around the world that you can’t get in the US. Read More.

15 Side Gigs That Aren’t Worth the Effort

In the hustle to make extra income, many people turn to side gigs. While some side hustles can be lucrative, others may not be as rewarding for these reasons: Read More.