Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comfort food classic that brings warmth and joy to your dining table. This dish is a beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and colors that can delight your family or impress your guests at any gathering. It combines the hearty taste of pasta with flavorful meatballs, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. Isn’t that a combination that makes your mouth water? Not only is it delicious, but this dish is also straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why We Love This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore baked spaghetti and meatballs. First and foremost, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for many of us, reminiscent of family dinners and personal stories around the table. The combination of perfectly cooked spaghetti with juicy meatballs and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.
Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs, whether opting for turkey or chicken meatballs or adding vegetables for extra nutrition. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This versatility is another reason it remains a favorite in many households.
Lastly, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s your children looking for a satisfying meal after school or friends gathering for a game night, baked spaghetti and meatballs are sure to set the stage for happy faces and satisfied stomachs.
Ingredients about Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
To craft your own baked spaghetti and meatballs, gather the following ingredients that will come together beautifully in this vibrant dish:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 cups marinara sauce (around 2 jars)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 32 beef meatballs, cooked and thawed
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Directions
Creating your baked spaghetti and meatballs is a straightforward process that involves a few easy steps. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly and melted.
Next, grab a 9×13 baking dish and lightly spray it with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking. Now, it’s time to cook your spaghetti. Follow the instructions on your pasta package, cooking it until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but resist the urge to rinse it, as this can wash away valuable starch that helps the sauce cling.
Now, transfer the drained spaghetti into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the noodles to keep them from clumping together. Then, add in your kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper to enhance the flavor. Mixing well allows the ingredients to coat the spaghetti evenly.
Next up, it’s time to introduce the marinara sauce and the delicious meatballs into the mixture. Pour in the sauce and add the cooked meatballs, stirring gently to combine everything thoroughly. Once well mixed, fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This addition not only adds flavor but also contributes to that delightful gooey texture we all love.
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This covered cooking method helps the spaghetti absorb the moisture and flavors from the sauce.
After half an hour, it’s time to unveil your dish! Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. This is where the magic happens; return it to the oven without the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Trust me; that will help the layers settle and make serving easier. You’ll be ready to serve an enticing baked spaghetti and meatballs dish that not only looks fabulous but also tastes divine!
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serving baked spaghetti and meatballs is as enjoyable as making it. Start by cutting a generous portion onto each plate, ensuring that everyone gets a good mix of spaghetti, meatballs, and that delicious gooey cheese on top. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added touch of color and flavor.
Pair this dish with some simple sides to elevate your meal. A crisp salad dressed lightly with your favorite vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the spaghetti. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be a fantastic addition, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Don’t forget to bring out some grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top for those who crave an extra cheesy experience. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade complements the dish perfectly. Enjoy the company of your loved ones as they indulge in every delightful bite of your baked spaghetti and meatballs.
Expert Tips: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
To take your baked spaghetti and meatballs to the next level, here are some expert tips you might find helpful:
Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality marinara sauce. If you have time, making your own marinara from scratch can add an incredible depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, cook it al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
Make It Ahead: If you’re prepping for a busy day, assemble the dish up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day prior to cooking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for varied flavors.
Add Vegetables: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the mix for an extra nutritional punch without sacrificing flavor.
Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning. A little taste test can go a long way in ensuring your dish is perfectly seasoned.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Storing your leftover baked spaghetti and meatballs is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can transfer individual portions into airtight containers for easy access during the week.
In the refrigerator, your dish will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
If you would like to store it for a longer period, you can also freeze baked spaghetti and meatballs. Ensure that it is tightly wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described earlier.
Variation of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
One of the joys of cooking is experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations you can try with your baked spaghetti and meatballs:
Cheesy Meatball Bake: Add cubes of cream cheese or ricotta to the meatball mixture for a creamier texture inside the meatballs.
Vegetable Packed: Mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the pasta for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Zoodles Alternative: For a low-carb option, substitute traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles (zoodles). This will also create a lighter dish that is gluten-free.
Barbecue Style: Mix barbecue sauce with your marinara for a sweet twist and add grilled chicken meatballs for a BBQ-themed dinner.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or use a spicy marinara to give your dish a warm kick.
Switch the Sauce: Use Alfredo or pesto sauce instead of marinara for a creamy, different type of baked pasta that is equally delicious.
FAQ
How long should I bake spaghetti and meatballs?
You will want to bake your dish for a total of 40 minutes—30 minutes covered and then an additional 10 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese until bubbly.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti and meatballs?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze your baked spaghetti and meatballs for up to two months. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute Whole Wheat or gluten-free pasta based on your dietary needs. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary from traditional pasta.
What sides go well with baked spaghetti and meatballs?
Some great sides include a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies, which complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 6 cups marinara sauce (around 2 jars)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 32 cooked beef meatballs thawed
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and do not rinse.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and add kosher salt and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour marinara sauce over the spaghetti and add the cooked meatballs. Stir gently to combine.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!