Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Delight
Indulge your family with this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Delight, a comforting one-dish meal that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta cheese elevates the dish, providing a rich and satisfying experience that transcends your typical spaghetti. Loaded with homemade mini meatballs infused with Italian herbs and spices, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It’s an easy recipe that allows for customization based on your pantry staples—feel free to vary the cheese or add vegetables as you see fit. Whether served with or without the meatballs, this baked spaghetti promises to become a cherished staple in your dinner rotation!
6-8 servings
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti noodles
16 ounces (uncooked)
ricotta cheese
16 ounces (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (none)
pre-shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (none)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
spaghetti sauce
16 ounces (jarred)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (none)
garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon (none)
ground beef
1 pound (raw)
whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup (none)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and egg. Mix until fully incorporated.
3
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
4
4. In a large skillet, bring 1 inch of water to a gentle boil and add the meatballs, turning them once for even cooking, until they are no longer pink in the center. Set aside.
5
5. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain well.
6
6. In a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spread the 8 oz of tomato sauce evenly across the bottom. Layer 16 oz of ricotta cheese over the tomato sauce.
7
7. Add the drained spaghetti to the dish, tossing to combine with the ricotta and sauce.
8
8. Gently fold in the cooked meatballs and then pour the jar of spaghetti sauce over the top.
9
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese evenly across the surface.
10
10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your family meal!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Delight?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that features creamy ricotta cheese, homemade mini meatballs, and a variety of Italian cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What ingredients are needed for the meatballs?
The meatballs consist of ground beef, whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and a beaten egg.
How large should the meatballs be formed?
Form the meat mixture into small meatballs that are roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
How are the meatballs cooked in this recipe?
The meatballs are cooked in a skillet with 1 inch of boiling water until they are no longer pink in the center.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti noodles before baking?
Yes, cook the spaghetti noodles until they are al dente and drain them well before assembling the dish.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
What is the first layer of the baked spaghetti?
The first step is to spread 8 ounces of tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Where is the ricotta cheese placed in the assembly?
Layer 16 ounces of ricotta cheese directly over the tomato sauce at the bottom of the dish.
How are the noodles combined with the base?
Add the drained spaghetti to the dish and toss it to combine with the ricotta and tomato sauce.
When are the meatballs added to the dish?
Gently fold in the cooked meatballs after tossing the spaghetti with the ricotta and sauce.
What sauces are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses both 8 ounces of tomato sauce for the base and a 16-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce for the top.
What three cheeses are used for the topping?
The top is sprinkled with a combination of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.
How long should the dish be baked?
Bake the dish uncovered for 30 minutes.
How do I know when the baked spaghetti is done?
The dish is finished when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 21 grams of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description suggests you can add vegetables or vary the cheese types based on your preference.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs.
How much garlic powder is used in the meatball mixture?
The recipe requires 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
No, the instructions state to bake the spaghetti uncovered.
Can this recipe be made without meatballs?
Yes, the description notes it can be served with or without meatballs.
What is the recommended cooling time?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow it to set before serving.
How much salt is included in the meatball seasoning?
The meatball mixture includes 2 teaspoons of salt.
What is the preparation for the egg used in the meatballs?
The egg should be beaten before being added to the meat mixture.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of the meatballs?
The meatballs are infused with Italian herbs and spices, specifically Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.