Ever had that moment when the aroma of baking spaghetti meatballs fills the kitchen, making your mouth water? Picture juicy meatballs nestled in a sea of cheesy, marinara-covered spaghetti—it’s pure comfort food magic! This recipe brings all the flavor and delight without the fuss. It’s quick, delicious, and a downright crowd-pleaser every time.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up a batch of these baked spaghetti meatballs? Here are a few reasons:
- Easy Cleanup: You only need one pan to make this dish, which means less scrubbing later. Who doesn’t love that?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this meal. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you want.
- Affordable Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are staples you probably already have in your pantry. Wallet-friendly and yummy? Yes, please!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to baked spaghetti perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides and then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and meatball sauce, mixing well.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Meatballs (Overview)
Making baked spaghetti meatballs is a breeze! Start by cooking your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente (nobody likes mushy pasta, right?). While that’s happening, whip up some juicy meatballs packed with flavor. Brown them beautifully, simmer them in marinara, and then combine everything along with that glorious mozzarella. Pro tip: Don’t skip out on letting those meatballs simmer! It really makes them tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Meatballs
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dig in. And don’t forget the garlic bread on the side—every bite needs that crunchy, buttery goodness.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti Meatballs
These meatballs can keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days and even longer in the freezer (up to 3 months). To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or bake at a low temperature until warmed through. You can easily make them ahead of time, too—just store the meatballs and sauce separately until you’re ready to bake.
Tips to Make Baked Spaghetti Meatballs
Here are a few insider tips to elevate your dish:
- Add spices: Throw in some Italian seasoning or paprika for an extra flavor kick.
- Use ground turkey if you want a lighter (but still tasty!) option.
- Vary the cheese: Try mixing in some ricotta for a creamy surprise in every bite.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Variation
Feeling creative? Switch out the beef for turkey, or make it vegan by using a plant-based ground meat alternative and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. You can also toss in some roasted veggies for a delicious twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before and just combine and bake when you’re ready.
2. Can I freeze baked spaghetti meatballs?
Yes! Be sure to store them in an airtight container. They’ll last about 3 months in the freezer.
3. What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
Try using pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Baked Spaghetti Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides and then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and meatball sauce, mixing well.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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