If you’re craving the ultimate cozy comfort food, this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is what your heart (and your taste buds) have been waiting for. Imagine tender spaghetti tangled in a rich, savory marinara, loaded with juicy, cheesy meatballs, and smothered under a molten layer of bubbling mozzarella. It’s nostalgic, a little indulgent, and has all the crowd-pleasing magic to turn an everyday dinner into a serious event. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this is the pasta bake you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of classic ingredients, this recipe proves you don’t need a long list to create big flavors. Each item brings its own magic, from the succulent meatballs to the gooey cheese that makes this dish truly irresistible.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The foundation of your dish, holding everything together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften your onions and garlic, infusing their flavor into every bite.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle background flavor to the meatballs and sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic kick that no Italian-inspired dish is complete without.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star of our homemade meatballs—juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender and helps them hold their shape beautifully.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness straight into the meatball mixture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together for the perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers all those classic herby notes you love.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the best in every component.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of mild heat to keep things interesting.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: Provides the rich, tomatoey base that soaks into the pasta and meatballs.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: An irresistible topping that melts, bubbles, and browns in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking later. While that’s heating up, fill a large pot with water, toss in a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil—your pasta will thank you for the extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Drop in your spaghetti and cook until it’s just al dente—it’ll keep cooking a bit more in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain, set aside, and give it a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you work on everything else.
Step 3: Make the Meatballs
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it gently—your hands are your best tool here—until everything is just combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and line them up on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and turning translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant—one more minute should do the trick.
Step 5: Brown the Meatballs
Add the meatballs to your skillet, nestling them among the onions and garlic. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, so all sides get a beautiful brown sear. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce and oven!
Step 6: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, making sure all the meatballs are covered in that tomatoey goodness. Lower the heat and let it all gently simmer for about 10 minutes. This not only cooks the meatballs through, it lets all those savory flavors blend together.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with half the sauce and meatballs. This ensures every strand gets coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then top with the rest of the sauce and meatballs for even more saucy goodness.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Shower the entire dish with the shredded mozzarella—don’t be shy! This is where the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe turns from delicious to downright irresistible in the oven.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should be marvelously melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown in places. Let it cool slightly, then top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe quite like a generous shower of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a touch of red pepper flakes for those who like a hint of heat. These little touches brighten every plate and make your casserole look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake shines alongside a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or a tray of garlicky roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling classic, don’t forget the garlic bread—perfect for sopping up every bit of savory tomato sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle portions of the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe into individual bowls for cozy weeknight dinners, or set out the whole bubbling casserole for guests to serve themselves family-style. You could even bake it in mini ramekins for personalized portions—guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is just as dreamy the next day. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying!
Freezing
Want to get ahead on meal prep? Simply assemble the casserole (but hold off on baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual—so convenient for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved with great results, too—just add a splash of water to keep things moist and heat until steamy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs or sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, substitute frozen meatballs and your favorite jarred marinara sauce. The Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe still turns out fabulous with these shortcuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the dish in advance (before baking), then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I make this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in gluten-free spaghetti and use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy a delicious, allergy-friendly meal.
What’s the best way to prevent dry pasta when reheating?
Add a splash of water or a little extra marinara sauce before reheating—this keeps the pasta nice and saucy. Covering with foil in the oven or a microwave-safe lid helps lock in moisture too.
Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?
Of course! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. You’ll get a slightly lighter dish, but all the cheesy, saucy goodness remains.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new go-to dinner that feels special yet is surprisingly simple, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. Gather your favorite people, dish out big, cheesy portions, and enjoy all the comfort and flavor this pasta bake brings to your table!
