Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

Introduction:

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, but when you take it to the next level by turning it into a baked casserole, it becomes a truly irresistible meal.

This Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole combines all the flavors you love from traditional spaghetti and meatballs, but with the added bonus of gooey melted cheese and a crispy baked top. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner.

This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The meatballs are nestled into a bed of saucy spaghetti, topped with plenty of cheese, and baked to perfection.

The result is a casserole that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Let’s get started on how to make this satisfying and cheesy dish.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

12 oz spaghetti

3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Cook the Spaghetti:

While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with 2 cups of marinara sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the meatballs on top of the spaghetti in an even layer.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and spaghetti. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then slice and serve hot.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a low oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together all the best parts of spaghetti and meatballs in a convenient, easy-to-serve format.

The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes this casserole a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

The flavors meld together beautifully as it bakes, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy!

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