Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
A comforting and hearty meal, this baked spaghetti dish combines tender pasta, flavorful homemade meatballs, and melted mozzarella cheese for a family-favorite dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 ounces |
| Marinara Sauce (homemade or jarred) | 3 cups |
| Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Beef | 8 ounces |
| Ground Pork | 8 ounces |
| Large Egg (lightly beaten) | 1 |
| Panko Bread Crumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Allspice | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | A pinch |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape the mixture into 1¼–1½-inch meatballs (you should get about 18–20).
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until evenly browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well, then toss with the 3 cups of marinara sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the sauced spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs over the top, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your baked spaghetti and meatballs hot!
