Description
A comforting casserole that combines spaghetti and meatballs into one easy bake, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix beef/pork for richer flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Optional: 1/4 cup milk (to moisten breadcrumbs)
- Optional: 1 small garlic clove minced
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti 1–2 minutes less than the package’s al dente time. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Add milk if the mix seems dry.
- Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1 1/4 inches across (roughly 18–24 meatballs).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked through—browning adds flavor.
- Pour 1/2 cup marinara into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti. Pour the remaining marinara over everything, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the surface. Add a little extra Parmesan if you like.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours. Brown meatballs for deeper flavor and make adjustments for dietary preferences as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian