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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍝 Classic flavors, even better baked: Spaghetti and meatballs meet casserole comfort.
- 🧀 Cheesy, melty goodness: Mozzarella and Parmesan make every forkful heavenly.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family favorite: Kids love it, adults crave it — perfect for feeding a crowd.
- ⏱️ Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray. - Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through. - Cook the Pasta:
While meatballs bake, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. - Assemble the Bake:
In the baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce until evenly coated. Add the baked meatballs, nestling them into the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or buttered rolls for soaking up the sauce.
- Add a side of Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
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