Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
7. In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti on top.
8. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti and toss gently to coat.
9. Arrange the cooked meatballs over the spaghetti and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dish.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier version.
• Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone or cheddar for richer flavor.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti or breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions