Description
A hearty and comforting baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole featuring juicy homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines stovetop searing and oven baking for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil, to prevent sticking
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, then shape the mixture into 1 to 2 inch meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking during baking, so they do not need to be fully cooked now.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente texture. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to be ready for baking the casserole shortly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer. Place the seared meatballs on top of the spaghetti, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs and remaining spaghetti. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce. Finish by topping with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting baked spaghetti and meatballs!
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Searing the meatballs before baking adds extra flavor and helps them hold their shape.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
