Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting and delicious dish that combines classic spaghetti with flavorful meatballs and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Additional Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
3. Form and Cook Meatballs:
   • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
4. Combine with Sauce:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce. Gently fold in the cooked meatballs.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Transfer the spaghetti and meatball mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan if desired.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti and meatballs in advance and assemble the dish, then refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce or on top of the cheese for added nutrition.
• Sauce Options: If you prefer a creamier version, you can mix in some ricotta cheese with the marinara before adding the meatballs.

Enjoy!

This Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!