Baked Spaghetti Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

Baked Spaghetti Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. As a child, I remember the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and freshly baked meatballs wafting through the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness. This dish not only satisfies the palate with its rich flavors and hearty textures but also carries a sense of nostalgia that many of us cherish. The combination of tender spaghetti, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of taste that is hard to resist. People love baked spaghetti meatballs for their convenience; it’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze while still delivering a meal that feels special. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs. This is where the magic begins!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
3. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier later on!

Baking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to bake them.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the meatballs get a nice golden brown crust.
2. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
3. While the meatballs are baking, you can start cooking the spaghetti. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the meatballs are in the oven, let’s get that spaghetti cooking!

1. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
3. In the same pot, add the marinara sauce and heat it over medium heat. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combining the Ingredients

Now that we have our meatballs and spaghetti ready, it’s time to combine everything!

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and add them to the pot with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
2. Add the drained spaghetti to the pot as well. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce and meatballs. If it seems a bit dry, add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Baked Spaghetti Meatballs

Now comes the fun part—assembling our dish for baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already.
2. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), pour half of the spaghetti and meatball mixture into the bottom. Spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the first layer of spaghetti.
4. Pour the remaining spaghetti and meatballs on top, spreading it out evenly again.
5. Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help it brown nicely.

Baking the Dish

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Baked Spaghetti Meatballs recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce creates a comforting dish that is sure to please the whole family. Plus, the ease of preparation and the ability to bake everything in one dish makes it a convenient option for busy evenings. For serving suggestions, I love to pair this dish with a simple side salad and some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. You can also get creative with variations—try adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix, or switch up the cheese by using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for an extra cheesy experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using different types of meat for the meatballs, such as turkey or chicken, to suit your taste preferences. I encourage you to give this Baked Spaghetti Meatballs recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Let’s spread the love for this comforting dish together. Happy cooking! Print