Description
This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender spaghetti, juicy homemade meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with bubbly, melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1/2 cup 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 12 oz 340 g spaghetti
- 3 cups 700 ml marinara sauce
- 2 cups 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to prevent sticking)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned (about 8 minutes).
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your 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 it evenly. Arrange the seared meatballs on top of the 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 Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
To prevent dryness, toss the cooked spaghetti with a bit of marinara sauce before layering. For meal prep, assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs