Looking for a quick and hearty meal that hits the spot? Look no further than this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. It’s a satisfying combo of tender spaghetti, flavorful homemade meatballs, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection. In just 40 minutes, you can have a comforting Italian-American classic on your table. Yum!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. Gently stir in the cooked spaghetti, combining the meatballs, sauce, and pasta. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over everything.
- Return the skillet or baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until heated through and golden and bubbly on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving if desired.
Notes
For a burst of freshness, consider adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil to the baked spaghetti just before serving. Serve this dish with a simple side salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the flavors. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
