Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

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Directions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
    • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
    • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
  3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
    • Add the marinara sauce to the cooked spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
    • Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti layer.
    • Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce over the meatballs, covering them completely.
  5. Top and Bake:
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
    • Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

  • Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.
  • Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy version, mix in some ricotta or cottage cheese with the spaghetti before layering it in the baking dish.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the meatballs and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix some chopped jalapeños into the meatballs for a little heat.

How to Store and Reheat

Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just wrap the entire baking dish (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.

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