spaghetti and meatball bake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spaghetti and meatball bake recipe
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The Best spaghetti and meatball bake recipe

I’m so excited to share this spaghetti and meatball bake recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. I love that it’s a one-pan wonder, too – no need to worry about separate pasta cooking and meatballs.

The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and texture. And let’s not forget the leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or packing lunches for school. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick, easy, and forgiving – even when life gets crazy, we can still count on a delicious meal thanks to this trusty spaghetti and meatball bake.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this recipe, but it never fails to impress my family and friends. My kids adore the combination of tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce all in one delicious casserole. And as an added bonus, this recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of veggies – making it a guilt-free choice for even the healthiest eaters out there.

I’m confident that you’ll love this spaghetti and meatball bake recipe just as much as we do – so go ahead and give it a try tonight!

Spaghetti and Meatball Bake

Spaghetti and Meatball Bake

4.5 from 1363 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs and spaghetti baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5In a large pot, boil water for the spaghetti.
6Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
7Drain and set aside.
8In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
10Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
11Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12Place the cooked spaghetti in a baking dish.
13Add the meatballs on top of the spaghetti.
14Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs and spaghetti.
15Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
16Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
18This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
19Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Large pot
Skillet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrients.

This spaghetti and meatball bake is an absolute winner in our household – not only does it taste incredible but also serves as a great base for any occasion be it family gatherings or weeknight dinners due especially when life gets busy we know our meals will always turn out delicious thanks to its adaptability versatility health benefits high-quality ingredients including lean ground beef whole wheat pasta veggies packed nutritious flavors satisfying textures among which tender juicy meatballs stand out plus being super easy prep time under 30 minutes ideal meal prep option reheats beautifully great option packing lunches school overall solid choice families looking effortless yet healthy meals

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti and Meatball Bake

Q: What makes this spaghetti and meatball bake recipe so special?

This recipe stands out from other spaghetti and meatball dishes due to its unique presentation – by baking the pasta, meatballs, and sauce together in one dish, you get a casserole-style meal that’s both visually appealing and incredibly easy to serve.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

While traditional spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can also use other long-shaped pastas like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.

Q: Are the meatballs in this recipe homemade or store-bought?

I make my own meatballs using ground beef, pork sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder – but feel free to use store-bought ones if you’re short on time!

Q: Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop the veggies (onions, carrots) up to 24 hours in advance if needed – just keep them refrigerated until ready to use.

Q: How do I store leftovers safely?

To ensure food safety when storing leftovers, make sure they’re cooled down within 2 hours after cooking then refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below; reheat only once stored safely.

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