Description
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Cheesy Classic
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Water and salt for boiling
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
For Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
Heat a skillet with a little oil and cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Set aside.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce with garlic powder and dried basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the cooked spaghetti with half of the marinara sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Place meatballs on top and pour the remaining marinara sauce over everything.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the dish.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this baked spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish with your loved ones!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Mix & Form: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all meatball ingredients. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 1-inch meatballs for even cooking.
2. Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches to avoid crowding, turning to sear all sides. They do not need to be cooked through.
3. Cook Pasta: While browning meatballs, boil spaghetti in heavily salted water for 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain.
4. Season Sauce & Combine: Warm marinara sauce with seasonings. In the empty pasta pot, toss drained spaghetti with half the sauce to coat.
5. Layer in Dish: Spread sauced spaghetti in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange meatballs on top, then pour remaining sauce over everything.
6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle cheeses evenly. Bake on middle rack at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbling at edges.
7. Rest & Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven. This allows it to set for easier serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but perfect pairings elevate it. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Warm, buttery garlic bread or focaccia is essential for soaking up sauce. For a lighter touch, offer steamed broccoli or green beans on the side.
How-to Summary
To make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: mix and brown beef meatballs. Cook spaghetti al dente. Toss pasta with half of a seasoned marinara sauce, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with meatballs, remaining sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake at 375°F until the cheese is melted and golden, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use store-bought meatballs? Absolutely. For a shortcut, use 20-24 high-quality frozen meatballs. Thaw slightly or increase bake time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they heat through.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from drying out? Coating the pasta in sauce before baking is key. Also, ensure your baking dish is appropriately sized—a 9×13 inch dish is ideal—so the pasta stays nestled in sauce.
What’s the best cheese for topping? A low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella melts beautifully without becoming greasy. The Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick. For more flavor, try adding a sprinkle of provolone or Asiago.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or, for best texture, in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Boil only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not browning the meatballs: Skipping the sear means missing out on crucial flavor. A quick brown adds texture and taste.
- Using a dry sauce: Choose a marinara sauce with good consistency. If your sauce is very thick, thin it with a few tablespoons of pasta water or broth.
- Skimping on seasoning: Taste your sauce before assembling and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remember, the pasta and cheese will dilute flavor.
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs transforms a classic weeknight dinner into a spectacular, shareable comfort food casserole. The combination of savory meatballs, tender pasta, rich sauce, and bubbly cheese is universally beloved. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfectly baked result every time. This dish is forgiving, customizable, and guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your home cooking repertoire. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the delicious, cheesy results with family and friends.