How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Table of Contents
The smell of baked spaghetti and meatballs makes your kitchen feel like home. This dish is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s perfect for family dinners or parties, and this guide will show you how to make it.
Picture the golden meatballs, the soft spaghetti, and the rich sauce all together. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can make this dish at home. Get ready to enjoy the real taste of Italy, one delicious bite at a time.
Introduction
Baked spaghetti with meatballs is a favorite classic Italian-American dinner. It combines spaghetti, meatballs, and tomato sauce for a hearty meal. This recipe is easy to make ahead, perfect for family dinners or parties.
The secret to this dish is the mix of tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce. Baked with spaghetti, it creates a comforting, delicious Italian meal. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a classic Italian-American dinner or a simple, satisfying meal.
“Baked spaghetti with meatballs is the ultimate comfort food – it’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.”
Ingredients for the Meatballs
The secret to tender and flavorful meatballs is in the ingredients. This recipe uses a mix of meatloaf mix, which includes ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal. This mix adds flavor and juiciness. You can also use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken instead. But, leaner meats might make the meatballs drier.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are key for binding the meatball mixture. For this recipe, use unseasoned panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is vital for flavor and saltiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and taste. Fresh cheese makes the meatballs more tender and flavorful.
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
The meatball mixture also includes milk and an egg for binding. It has fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor. These ingredients make the meatballs tender and full of taste.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 |
| Total Fat | 20g (26% of DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 8g (39% of DV) |
| Cholesterol | 135mg (45% of DV) |
| Sodium | 612mg (27% of DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g (5% of DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g (3% of DV) |
| Protein | 24g (49% of DV) |
Ingredients for the Sauce
To make the sauce for your baked spaghetti, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Start with a classic marinara sauce. You can make it yourself or use a good store-bought one. Then, add some beef broth to thin it out and help it stick to the spaghetti.
Finally, top it all off with grated or sliced mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts beautifully, creating a cheesy, bubbly crust that’s perfect with the baked spaghetti.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Marinara sauce | 24 ounces |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced | 2 cups |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious baked spaghetti dish. The sauce, made from marinara and beef broth, is rich and savory. It’s sure to please your family and leave them wanting more.
“The secret to a great baked spaghetti is in the sauce. This simple combination of marinara and beef broth creates a sauce that’s both rich and comforting.”
Baking the Meatballs
Creating the perfect baked spaghetti with meatballs starts with the meatballs. Instead of cooking them on the stovetop, baking them in the oven is the secret. This method makes the process easier and keeps the meatballs tender and soft.
Meatball Tips
To get the perfect meatball texture, remember a few things:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the meatballs, ensuring they are all the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t pack the meatballs too tightly – a light touch is key to maintaining that soft, tender interior.
- Bake the meatballs until they reach the recommended internal temperature, which helps them stay juicy and flavorful.
By following these simple meatball tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect baked spaghetti and meatballs dish that’s sure to delight your family and friends.
Preparing the Pasta
To make a delicious baked spaghetti with meatballs, start with the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti pasta when the water is boiling. Cook it until it’s just right, following the package guide.
This way, the noodles will be tender but still have a bit of firmness. It’s called al dente.
After cooking, drain the spaghetti pasta well in a colander. Then, put the hot pasta back in the pot. Mix it with marinara sauce and a bit of beef broth. This coats each strand of pasta with flavor, getting it ready for baking.
Getting the pasta just right is key to a great baked spaghetti. It keeps the pasta’s texture and soaks up the sauce well. This makes the dish full of flavor and a joy to eat.
“The perfect al dente pasta is the foundation for a truly remarkable baked spaghetti with meatballs.”
Assembling the baked spaghetti with meatballs
Now that the spaghetti and meatballs are ready, it’s time to put the baked spaghetti casserole together. This step is key to making a tasty and good-looking dish. Let’s go through the process of assembling the baked spaghetti with meatballs.
Begin by moving the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce to a deep, oven-safe dish or skillet. Mix the spaghetti and sauce gently, making sure they’re evenly spread. Then, place the baked meatballs in the spaghetti mixture, arranging them nicely.
Next, add the cheese. Sprinkle a lot of shredded mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti and meatballs. This will make a melted, bubbly top that enhances the dish’s flavors.
After assembling the baked spaghetti casserole, it’s ready to bake. Put the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned.
By following these steps, you’ll have a tasty and attractive baked spaghetti with meatballs. The tender spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and melted cheese make a comforting dish. It’s perfect for any gathering.
Make-Ahead Options
This baked spaghetti and meatballs dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the meatballs and bake them early. Then, assemble the casserole and refrigerate or freeze it for later. When you’re ready, just bake it again, saving you time.
Many have praised the meatballs in this recipe, calling them the best. You’ll get about 24 meatballs, and you can easily double the recipe. They freeze well, cooked or uncooked, and stay good in the fridge for 24 hours. Double the batch and freeze half for later.
The baked spaghetti casserole also freezes well. Just thaw it and bake it again when you’re ready. This is great for busy nights or when you need a comforting meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1.5 pounds |
| Diced yellow onion | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (with juices) | 28 ounces (1 can) |
| Spaghetti sauce (from a jar) | 24-28 ounces |
| Mushrooms | 5-6 ounces (approximately 2 cups) |
| Dried oregano | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Spaghetti (broken into thirds) | 8 ounces |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/3 cup |
The casserole bakes at 375°F for 20-30 minutes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. With these options, you can enjoy baked spaghetti with meatballs whenever you want, without the prep work.
Enhancing Jarred Sauce
This recipe uses a store-bought marinara sauce for a quick fix. But, you can make it taste like homemade with a few tweaks.
Adding fresh herbs is a simple way to boost flavor. Just chop up basil, oregano, or parsley and mix it in. Saute garlic and onions in olive oil first. Then, add the jarred sauce for richer tastes.
Try adding heavy cream or cream cheese for creaminess. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or fennel seeds. This lets you tailor the flavor to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jarred Marinara Sauce | 24 ounces |
| Fresh Basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Heavy Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
Enhancing a jarred marinara sauce can make it taste homemade. Be creative with your sauce enhancements for a delicious dish.
Serving Suggestions
Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a hearty dish that goes well with many sides. The cheesy casserole pairs well with both classic and lighter options. This makes for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Classic side dishes for baked spaghetti include:
- Fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic-infused bread, either toasted or served warm
- Roasted seasonal vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers
- Steamed green beans or broccoli florets
For a more filling meal, try adding additional spaghetti or a slice of garlic bread to your baked spaghetti. These Italian-inspired sides complement the casserole well.
For a lighter meal, pair baked spaghetti with a garden salad or steamed broccoli. The mix of the rich casserole and fresh sides makes for a satisfying meal.
| Side Dish | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Green Salad | Toss with a bright vinaigrette dressing |
| Garlic Bread | Serve warm and toasted |
| Roasted Vegetables | Try broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers |
| Steamed Greens | Green beans or broccoli florets |
| Additional Spaghetti | Serve alongside the baked casserole |
Choosing any of these sides will make baked spaghetti with meatballs the main attraction. It promises a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Storage and Reheating
Storing and reheating your baked spaghetti with meatballs is easy. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
To reheat, just put the casserole in a 350°F oven until it’s hot. For individual portions, use the microwave in short bursts. This makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing Baked Spaghetti
- Let the baked spaghetti cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the container with the contents and date.
- Frozen baked spaghetti can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Spaghetti
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- If frozen, thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until hot.
- For individual portions, reheat in the microwave, checking and stirring frequently.
Follow these simple tips to enjoy your baked spaghetti with meatballs again and again. Savor the flavors and convenience of this classic dish all week long.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a family-friendly pasta dish that’s great for busy nights or parties. It’s a twist on the classic easy Italian dinner that’s easy to make ahead. You can bake it for a meal that everyone will love.
This recipe uses lean ground turkey and jarred marinara sauce for a quick, tasty meal. Adding Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings makes the meatballs tender and flavorful. The baking process ensures the spaghetti is perfectly cooked and saucy.
Make the components ahead of time to make it even easier. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or to impress your guests. Serve it with a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete Italian feast that everyone will enjoy.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for the baked spaghetti with meatballs recipe?
The meatballs need unseasoned panko breadcrumbs, a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal, and Parmesan cheese. They also require milk, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. But panko makes the meatballs lighter and less dense.
What type of sauce is used in the baked spaghetti dish?
The dish uses a mix of marinara sauce and beef broth for the sauce.
How do I ensure the meatballs are cooked through?
Bake the meatballs until they hit 160-165°F. Using a cookie scoop helps them cook evenly.
Can I make this baked spaghetti and meatballs dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead. Prepare the meatballs and casserole in advance. You can refrigerate or freeze it for later.
How can I enhance the flavor of a store-bought marinara sauce?
Add fresh herbs, sautéed onions and garlic, or spices to the sauce. You can also mix in heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer taste.
What sides pair well with the baked spaghetti and meatballs?
Try a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. Steamed broccoli or green beans also work well to balance the dish.
