If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that will win over friends, family, and your very own taste buds, get ready for this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe! Imagine tender pasta swirled with a rich, tangy marinara, hearty homemade meatballs scattered throughout, and all of it wrapped in a blanket of golden, oozy cheese. It’s pure joy in a casserole dish—a nostalgic mashup of Italian grandeur and cozy home-cooked magic, all baked together until bubbling and irresistible. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight win or a Sunday dinner to remember, this dish delivers on every cheesy, saucy promise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe comes from simple, humble ingredients working together in harmony. Each component brings its own distinct flavor, texture, or little pop of color, so don’t skip or skimp—let every ingredient shine!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic base—choose your favorite brand for best results!
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds rich, savory depth to the meatballs for hearty bites in every forkful.
- Ground Pork (1/2 lb): Balances the beef with tenderness and juiciness—trust me, it makes a difference.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Hold the meatballs together and give them that delightful, tender texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup for meatballs, 1/2 cup for topping): Adds nutty, salty sharpness—a must for both inside and on top.
- Egg (1 large): The ultimate binder for sturdy-yet-soft meatballs.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic makes the flavors truly sing; don’t skimp here!
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Just the right touch of herby aroma for classic Italian vibes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple, but essential for bringing everything to life.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the meatballs and infusing them with flavor.
- Marinara Sauce (3 cups): Tangy tomato sauce ties the whole dish together—pick a robust store-bought one or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): For that gooey, melty top layer everyone fights over.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a lemony, refreshing finish as a pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by firing up your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, toss in your spaghetti and cook until al dente—it should be tender but still have a little bite. Drain, rinse quickly, and set aside. Prepping the pasta first means everything else can come together seamlessly.
Step 2: Mixing the Meatballs
In a big bowl, bring together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until just combined—don’t over-mix, or your meatballs might turn dense. Once it comes together, use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape about 1-inch meatballs. Lining them up on a tray helps keep things organized!
Step 3: Searing for Flavor
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for roughly 5–6 minutes. You don’t need them cooked through—just nicely golden for maximum flavor. Searing locks in their juices and brings out incredible color. When they’re done, rest them on a plate—the oven will finish the job.
Step 4: Layering the Goodness
In your favorite large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara on the bottom. Pour in your cooked spaghetti and gently toss so every strand gets kissed with sauce. Scatter the browned meatballs over the pasta, then pour the rest of your marinara sauce evenly on top. Shower it all with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan to top it all off!
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the dish snugly with foil and set it in the oven for 20 minutes. This is where the flavors really mingle and the cheese starts to melt. Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes. Watch for the top to become golden, gooey, and gloriously bubbly—your signal that it’s ready for the dinner table!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
When the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe looks irresistible, pull it out and scatter fresh basil all over the top. That bright herbal note is the perfect final touch. Give it a few minutes to settle—this lets everything firm up just enough so serving is a breeze.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish is always welcome! Top each plate with extra fresh basil, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even some cracked black pepper. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes will elevate every bite and bring out the freshness of the cheese and herbs.
Side Dishes
Serve your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe with a big, crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted broccoli for balance and color. Of course, classic garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette makes the perfect side for sopping up every bit of savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, place the dish in the center of your table with plates and ladles for everyone to help themselves. Or, scoop portions into individual ramekins for a special dinner-party touch. If serving at a potluck, consider baking in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport, without losing any of that bubbling charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, where it will keep happily for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe right up to the baking step. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, or bake straight from frozen with an extra 15–20 minutes on the clock.
Reheating
Warm single portions in the microwave, covered, until piping hot. For larger amounts, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20–25 minutes. A sprinkle of extra mozzarella will revive that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only pork for the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can swap the blend for all beef or all pork, though the combination yields the best flavor and tenderness. If substituting, just be sure to check doneness, as all-pork balls may cook a bit faster.
What’s the best type Main Course, Pasta
Go with your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or use a homemade version if you want to dial up the freshness. Look for a robust, basil-forward sauce that can hold up to baking.
Can this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe be assembled in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to one day ahead. Cover and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Easily! Use gluten-free spaghetti and swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs. Double-check your marinara sauce as well, and you’ll have a fantastic gluten-free version of this classic.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover leftovers with foil and reheat gently in the oven. Adding a splash of extra marinara or a drizzle of olive oil before heating helps keep everything moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe enough—it truly captures the essence of comfort food with every cheesy, saucy bite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want leftovers that’ll make you look forward to lunch, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, pour a glass of something you love, and let the magic begin in your own kitchen!
Print
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this delicious Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. It’s a hearty dish that brings together tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Assembly:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, cooked spaghetti, remaining sauce, and meatballs. Top with cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine into the marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
