Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is the kind of soul-warming comfort food that will have everyone gathering around the table, eagerly awaiting that bubbling, cheesy goodness. Imagine the wonder of tender homemade meatballs nestled into a bed of saucy spaghetti, all crowned with a blanket of golden, melty cheese—pure magic for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and heartiness, marrying Italian-American classics in one irresistible casserole. If you’ve never tucked into a forkful of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs fresh from the oven, you’re truly in for a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how such a showstopping dinner comes together with nothing more than a few well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays its part, from the juicy meatballs to the saucy, cheesy layers that make every bite memorable. Here’s what you’ll need for a flawless Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs experience:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The foundation of deeply flavorful, tender meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup): These keep the meatballs moist and help hold everything together.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup for meatballs, ½ cup for casserole): Adds salty, nutty depth both inside the meatballs and over the casserole.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the meatball mixture for perfect texture.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for robust, aromatic flavor throughout.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp for meatballs, 1 tsp for casserole): Infuses both meatballs and casserole with herbs that sing classic Italian notes.
• Salt (½ tsp): Seasoning is a must for bold, balanced taste.
• Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Just enough kick to wake up the flavors.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp for frying; 1 tbsp for spaghetti): Helps sear the meatballs and keeps spaghetti from sticking.
• Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic choice with just the right bite (cook it just shy of al dente for the perfect texture after baking).
• Marinara Sauce (3 cups): Rich, tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Delivers that luscious, melty top everyone loves.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): A hint of extra garlic essence to the sauce and cheese layer.
• Optional Garnish – Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright pops of color and freshness to finish off the dish.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing together your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. The secret here is not to overwork the mixture—just combine it until it’s uniform, then gently shape it into balls about one to two inches in diameter. Searing the meatballs in olive oil turns them beautifully brown and savory on the outside; you don’t need to cook them all the way through, since they’ll finish baking with the spaghetti later. Set those meatballs aside and prepare for the next layer of flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and your spaghetti. Cook it for one or two minutes less than the package directs—this ensures the noodles will keep their texture when baked. Once drained, toss them in a splash of olive oil. This stops the strands from sticking together and adds a touch of richness.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Your oven should be hot and ready by the time your ingredients are prepped, so set it to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven temperature just right helps that cheese bubble and brown without overcooking the noodles or drying out the meatballs.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the best part—layering everything together. Spread a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to cushion the pasta and prevent sticking. Lay down half the spaghetti in an even layer, then arrange the seared meatballs over top. Pour on the remaining marinara, letting it drizzle into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce, then lavish the top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan. This layering is what makes every forkful of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs cheesy, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes—this helps everything meld together and the cheese begin to melt. Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling. This final bake is where the magic happens, so keep an eye on it to make sure the top hits that perfect shade of meltiness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs emerges from the oven, let it cool for five minutes. This makes slicing and serving far easier, and lets the flavors settle. For a fresh, herby finish, scatter over chopped basil or parsley just before serving. Now, all that’s left is to dive in!

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

Nothing completes Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs like a sprinkle of greenery right before serving. Fresh basil or parsley brings a pop of color and a subtle lift that balances the deep richness of the cheese and sauce. For a little extra flair, you could even add extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

The hearty nature of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs means you don’t need much else, but a crisp green salad or garlic bread takes things to the next level. Try pairing it with steamed broccoli, roasted veggies, or a simple Caesar salad to round out your meal and add extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try portioning Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs into individual ramekins—each guest gets their own adorable serving! Or, slice the casserole into squares for a fun, kid-friendly approach. You can even scatter extra cheese over the top and run it under the broiler for an extra-cheesy finish that truly wows at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift with a dish like this! Simply let the remaining Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to four days, and the flavors often become even richer after a night’s rest.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can freeze either the whole casserole or divide it into lunch-size portions for future cravings.

Reheating

To bring Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs back to its bubbling, cheesy best, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 20 minutes should do it. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick meal, though the oven keeps things nice and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade meatballs provide amazing flavor and texture, store-bought options save time and effort. Just be sure to sear them briefly for extra flavor before assembling your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Choose a marinara sauce you love the taste of right out of the jar. Whether it’s homemade, your favorite brand, or a family recipe, a rich, well-seasoned sauce will make your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs truly sing.

Can I use other types of pasta?

You certainly can! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well if you want to change things up, but classic spaghetti gives that nostalgic, twirlable quality that makes this dish so satisfying.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Assemble Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prep or entertaining since all you’ll need to do is pop it in the oven!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a huge hit with kids! The cheesy top, familiar flavors, and fun presentation guarantee smiles at the dinner table. If you have picky eaters, you can even hide in some chopped veggies with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that brings people together, delivers giant flavor, and satisfies every last craving, Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is it. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Give it a go the next time you want to share a little homemade comfort—your family and friends will thank you!

Print