Description
Irresistibly Cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Delight is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender meatballs made from ground beef or turkey, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti, and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This crowd-pleasing dish is simple to prepare, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz Spaghetti Pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free preferred)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (to prevent sticking)
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or Turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free)
- 1 large Egg (to bind)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
Sauce
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of spaghetti, then arrange the meatballs on top. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the dish.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the assembled spaghetti and meatballs.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with lean turkey and use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate them to save time.
- For dairy-free, substitute parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
