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 ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll into 1-2 inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear 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. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 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. Arrange the seared meatballs on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure meatballs are browned before baking to lock in flavor. You can assemble this dish a day in advance and store in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Baked Spaghetti, Meatballs, Italian-American, Casserole, Comfort Food