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Heartwarming Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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3.9 from 62 reviews

This Heartwarming Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs baked to perfection with perfectly cooked spaghetti and rich marinara sauce, all topped with bubbling golden mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-American classic ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Spaghetti and Sauce

  • 12 oz. dried spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs and the assembled dish.
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape and Bake Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil, then bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
  4. Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta, then toss it with the marinara sauce until well coated.
  5. Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread half of the sauced spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Place the baked meatballs over the spaghetti, then cover with the remaining spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake the Assembled Spaghetti and Meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and to make serving easier. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting baked spaghetti and meatballs!

Notes

  • Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce to avoid mushiness during baking.
  • You can make homemade marinara for a fresher taste or use store-bought for convenience.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising tenderness.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/heartwarming-baked-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/