Baked Spaghetti and Savory Meatball Delight
Elevate your dinner routine with this Baked Spaghetti and Savory Meatball Delight—a comforting casserole that combines classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. This dish features tender spaghetti nestled beneath a layer of mouthwatering homemade or store-bought meatballs, all enveloped in a rich, tangy spaghetti sauce. Topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, each bite promises to delight your palate. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, serve it with crispy garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can customize it with your favorite meatball recipe, ensuring it’s just how you like it. Get ready to indulge in a dish that is sure to become a new family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (made into your favorite meatball recipe)
thin spaghetti
16 ounces (cooked until just al dente)
oil
3 tablespoons (for tossing spaghetti)
shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups (divided)
grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (for mixing and topping)
large eggs
3 (slightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
spaghetti sauce
2 (28 ounce) jars (or your favorite sauce)
Parmesan cheese
optional (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
3
Prepare your favorite meatball recipe and shape into approximately 1-1/2-inch balls.
4
Arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes or until cooked through at 375°F (190°C). Set aside once done.
5
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
6
Drizzle the spaghetti with 3 tablespoons of oil and toss to coat. Allow to cool slightly before adding eggs, 1-1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to combine thoroughly.
7
Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently with your hands to create an even layer.
8
Distribute the cooked meatballs over the spaghetti layer, ensuring even coverage.
9
Pour the spaghetti sauce over the meatballs and pasta, making sure to cover everything evenly.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
11
Remove the foil, sprinkle 1-1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese (or desired amount) on top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
If desired, finish with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Spaghetti and Savory Meatball Delight?
It is a comforting casserole that combines classic Italian flavors featuring tender spaghetti, homemade or store-bought meatballs, tangy sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the assembled spaghetti casserole.
How long should I bake the meatballs initially?
Meatballs should be baked for 22-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The recipe recommends shaping the ground beef into approximately 1-1/2-inch balls.
How should the spaghetti be cooked before assembly?
The thin spaghetti should be cooked in boiling water until it is just al dente.
What ingredients are mixed into the cooked spaghetti?
The spaghetti is tossed with 3 tablespoons of oil, 3 beaten eggs, 1-1/2 cups of mozzarella, 1 cup of Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this spaghetti casserole.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for two 28-ounce jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes before removing it to melt the final layer of cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided between the pasta mixture and the top layer.
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a homemade meatball recipe or store-bought meatballs.
What should I serve with Baked Spaghetti and Savory Meatball Delight?
It is best served with crispy garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
How many eggs are used in the spaghetti mixture?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, slightly beaten, to be mixed into the spaghetti.
At what temperature do you bake the meatballs?
Meatballs are baked separately at 375°F (190°C) before being added to the casserole.
How do you prepare the baking dish?
Grease the 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
What is the order of layering in the baking dish?
First spread the spaghetti mixture, then distribute the cooked meatballs, and finally pour the spaghetti sauce over everything.
How long do you bake the casserole after adding the final cheese topping?
After removing the foil and adding cheese, bake uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Thin spaghetti (16 ounces) is the recommended pasta for this delight.
Is there a garnish suggested for this recipe?
Yes, you can finish the dish with an optional sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
How much ground beef is needed for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef to be made into meatballs.
Do I need to let the spaghetti cool before adding eggs?
Yes, the recipe suggests allowing the spaghetti to cool slightly after tossing it with oil before adding the eggs and cheese.
What seasonings are added to the pasta mixture?
The mixture includes 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and a casserole, making it perfect for family dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this baked spaghetti and meatball dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The description identifies the spaghetti sauce as being rich and tangy.
How do you ensure the spaghetti layer is even?
Press down gently with your hands or a spatula when spreading the spaghetti mixture into the baking dish.
Can I use any meatball recipe?
Yes, you can customize the dish with your own favorite meatball recipe.
What is the total time for the covered baking stage?
The casserole should be baked covered for 45 minutes until heated through.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a casserole, baked pasta, and Italian comfort food.
How much oil is used for tossing the spaghetti?
3 tablespoons of oil are used to toss and coat the cooked spaghetti.