BAKED SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti & Meatballs is a perfect family-friendly meal. Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs is cooked in one pan, topped with lots of cheese, and baked until hot, bubbly, and melted ooey gooey!
An Engaging Introduction
Are your afternoons busy getting kids to soccer practice or other sports or lessons? This meal is perfect for those hectic afternoons. Make the dish early in the day, and when you get home, simply pop it in a hot oven and bake for about 30 minutes while you’re putting together a quick salad. Voila, a hot, satisfying, comfort food meal is on the table.
I’ve been staying in our little home away from home condo for the last few weeks and have loved every minute of getting to see our oldest daughter and her family every day! But alas, all good things must come to an end. A couple of nights before heading home, our grandson got to have one more sleepover with Nana and Papa. Since we’d be packing up and leaving in a couple of days, I figured I needed to use some of the food that I had in the condo. Spaghetti noodles √ Pasta sauce √ Homemade meatballs in the freezer √ Cheese √ It seemed I had the perfect ingredients for this Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs.
A quick trip to the store for one last quart of milk, a loaf of rustic bread, and a bag salad (I know, I know, but I didn’t want leftover produce), and I had everything needed to put a quick and easy dinner on the table that we’d all enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a true comfort food classic with a twist. It combines the irresistible flavors of traditional spaghetti and meatballs with the added delight of a cheesy baked casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy to prepare, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 baking dish
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Pasta pot
- Paper towel-lined plate
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
For the Meatballs
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup Panko
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×9 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, egg, Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper to taste. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 18-20 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well and stir in marinara sauce.
- Add pasta to the prepared baking dish and top with meatballs; sprinkle with mozzarella. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success
- For perfectly cooked pasta, make sure to undercook it slightly before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor in your meatballs.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Coming soon! Check back for detailed nutritional information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti and meatballs?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, delicious Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!
