A Comfort Dish You Can’t Resist

Ever walked into a kitchen where the aroma of cheesy goodness and perfectly seasoned meatballs hits you like a warm hug? That’s the magic of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs! This dish is a delightful blend of tender spaghetti, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to please the entire family, making it a winner for your weeknight dinner rotation!

Why Make This Recipe

So why should you whip up this dish? Here’s the lowdown:

Easy Clean-Up: Who has time for a mountain of dishes? This recipe uses just one skillet and one baking dish. Less scrubbing, more munching!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike drool over spaghetti and meatballs, right? With cheesy, meaty goodness, your little ones won’t even think about turning up their noses.
Budget-Friendly: With a handful of affordable ingredients, this hearty meal won’t break the bank. You get the flavor without feeling guilty about your wallet!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

Spaghetti
Ground beef or turkey
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Garlic
Onion
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Form into meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and meatballs on top. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs (Overview)

Let’s break it down in style! Start by cooking your spaghetti, then mix your meatball masterpiece—don’t skip the magic of the meat mixture! Sauté those meatballs until they’re beautifully browned and then layer them with your pasta and sauce. To finish, load on that mozzarella and let the oven do its thing. Pro tip: Keep an eye on the cheese; it should be perfectly melted, not overdone!

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Gaze at that finished masterpiece before serving! Picture this: a bubbling, cheesed-topped dish with vibrant red marinara contrasting against the golden pasta. You can pair it with a simple side salad or perhaps some garlic bread for that extra crunch. And don’t forget to sprinkle fresh basil on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Yum!

How to Store Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This dish loves to hang out! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or toss it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dive back in, simply reheat it in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Easy peasy!

Tips to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

For extra flavor, toasting the garlic before adding it to the meatballs is a must!
Swap ground beef for ground turkey to make it a bit leaner—no one will notice the difference.
Add veggies like spinach or zucchini to the mix if you want to sneak in some greens.
If you’re feeling fancy, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a flavor kick.
To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs!

Variation

Want to spice things up? Try adding a splash of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat. For a vegan version, substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas and use plant-based cheeses. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

2. How can I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat them in the microwave or bake them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, around 15-20 minutes.

3. Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!