Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food casserole that combines tender spaghetti, juicy homemade meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or feeding a crowd, bringing all the flavors of Italian-American cuisine into one delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Casserole:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil (to prevent sticking)
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Roll mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides for about 8 minutes, or until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked as they’ll cook further in the oven).
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water, cooking for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half the cooked spaghetti, spreading evenly.
Arrange seared meatballs on top of spaghetti.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and spaghetti.
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
Cool for about 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat alternatives or add vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-and-meatballs/
