Description
This baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Bake:
12 oz spaghetti
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until combined. Form into 1½-inch balls.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5–7 minutes), then transfer to a plate (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).
Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with 2 cups of marinara sauce.
Assemble the bake: Spread half of the sauced spaghetti into the baking dish. Top with half the meatballs and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Use frozen meatballs for a time-saving shortcut.
Swap spaghetti for other pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
