Description
Looking for an easy dinner that satisfies the whole family? This Baked Spaghetti Meatballs recipe brings together tender meatballs, saucy spaghetti, and gooey cheese in one bubbling, golden-baked dish. It’s a quick dinner solution, perfect for busy nights or weekend meal prep. This easy recipe works for both kids and adults, and is packed with comforting Italian flavor. Whether you’re browsing dinner ideas, easy recipes, or hearty food ideas for a potluck or gathering, this is a sure winner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until just combined. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
2. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
3. Boil spaghetti in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
4. Combine spaghetti with 2 cups of marinara and 1 cup of mozzarella. Toss well.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the pasta. Nestle meatballs on top, spoon over remaining sauce, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Slightly undercook your pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.
Browning the meatballs before baking deepens their flavor.
Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce sets and flavors combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, baked spaghetti, meatballs, family dinner, comfort food, meal prep, kid-friendly, pasta bake