Meatball Spaghetti Bake
A delectable comfort food dish with savory meatballs nestled in al dente spaghetti and rich marinara sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, for roughly 20 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- While the meatballs are browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) and toss until fully coated.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the meatballs, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the Meatball Spaghetti Bake to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use a mix of meats for depth of flavor. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store until baking. Experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables for additional nutrition.