Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

• Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
• Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-16 meatballs, depending on size.

2. Cook the Meatballs

• Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, browning all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Spaghetti

• Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce

• Make the Marinara: In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce come to a simmer, then add the meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Assemble the Spaghetti Stack

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Layer the Spaghetti: In a greased 9-inch springform pan or baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, pressing it down slightly.
• Add the Cheese and Meatballs: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti. Arrange the meatballs evenly on top, then pour half of the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
• Top with More Spaghetti and Cheese: Add the rest of the spaghetti, pressing down gently to compact the layers. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake the Stack

• Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the springform pan or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the spaghetti stack rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and make cutting easier.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Slice and Plate: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan (if using) and slice the spaghetti stack into wedges. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easy to remove the spaghetti stack in one piece and slice it neatly. If you don’t have one, a regular baking dish will work, but the presentation may not be as clean.
• Undercook the Spaghetti Slightly: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the stack to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when cut.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Try Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or add some ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meatball mixture.

Why You’ll Love the Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack

• A Fun Twist on Classic Spaghetti: The stacked presentation turns an everyday pasta dish into something special and visually appealing.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: With layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meatballs, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that will please a crowd.
• Great for Leftovers: The stack holds up well for leftovers and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Protein: The meatballs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Comforting Carbohydrates: Spaghetti delivers complex carbs that give you energy and keep you full.
• Calcium from Cheese: The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add not just flavor but also a dose of calcium for bone health.

Conclusion

The Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack offers a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, bringing together all the comforting elements of spaghetti and meatballs in a fun, layered presentation. It’s perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to make an everyday dinner feel extraordinary. This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, cheesy, and flavorful layers of this hearty pasta bake!