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Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs: A Comforting Twist on an Italian Classic
There’s something magical about the combination of pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce—it’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs takes this beloved dish to the next level by baking it all together, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly over the top. If you love the idea of a hearty, cheesy pasta dish with minimal effort, this is the recipe for you!
Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs is a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, meal prepping, or even hosting a casual dinner party. In this article, we’ll dive into why this recipe is such a hit and share the steps to make it.
Why You’ll Love Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is easy to make in large batches, which makes it ideal for meal prep. Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. The flavors only get better as it sits!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and satisfies every craving.
- Less Fuss, More Flavor: Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs is a simple, no-fuss meal that packs a punch in flavor. By baking everything together, you allow the pasta to soak up the savory sauce and the meatballs to become even more flavorful.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that kids and adults alike can enjoy. It’s cheesy, hearty, and just the right level of comforting. You can even sneak in some extra veggies in the sauce to make it a more well-rounded meal!
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe based on dietary preferences and what you have on hand. Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, or make it gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free pasta. The options are endless!
Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
To make Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Olive oil (for pan-frying)
For the Baked Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce (Optional, if making from scratch):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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