Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs
A hearty baked spaghetti dish with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey Use lean for juicy meatballs or turkey for a healthier option.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Traditional or gluten-free works well.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds richness to the meatball mixture.
- 1 Egg Binds the meatballs together.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Infuses the dish with a comforting aroma.
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor.
For Assembly
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce Use your favorite jarred sauce or make homemade.
- 1 pound Spaghetti Classic pasta choice; whole wheat or gluten-free can be used.
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Melts beautifully over the spaghetti.
For Garnish
- Fresh Basil or Parsley Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture!
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through as they will bake in the oven.
- In your prepared baking dish, pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom, placing the meatballs on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, then add the cooked spaghetti, ensuring that it’s well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25–30 minutes.