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Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

This comforting Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines tender homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s an easy, hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, then shape the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides for about 8 minutes until browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish baking in the oven.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente texture. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce. Arrange the seared meatballs evenly on top of the spaghetti. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce layer. Finish by topping with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy Italian classic.

Notes

  • For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If marinara sauce is homemade, reduce salt accordingly.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
  • Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a slight heat boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, meatballs, casserole, Italian recipe, comfort food, baked pasta

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/baked-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/