When you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings the whole family together, Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole is your answer. Combining the classic flavors of Italian meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is elevated by its oven-baked finish, resulting in a deliciously cheesy, golden crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: A hearty and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for an easy dinner solution.
• Cheesy Goodness: Baked with melty cheese on top for an irresistible finish.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole

Meatballs

Ingredient	Quantity
White bread (crusts removed), diced	3 slices
Cold water	2/3 cup
Lean ground beef (7%-15% fat)	1 lb
Sweet Ground Italian sausage (casings removed)	1 lb
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/4 cup + more for garnish
Garlic cloves, minced	4
Sea salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	1/2 tsp
Large egg	1
All-purpose flour (for dredging)	3/4 cup
Light olive oil or vegetable oil	3 tbsp

Marinara Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Yellow onion, chopped	1 cup
Garlic cloves, minced	4
Crushed tomatoes	56 oz (2 cans)
Bay leaves	2 (optional)
Salt & black pepper	To taste
Fresh basil, finely chopped	2 tbsp

Other Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Spaghetti	1 lb
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	2 cups
Fresh parsley or basil	For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. Combine the bread pieces with 2/3 cup of water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork to form a paste.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bread, ground beef, sausage, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about the size of a flat ice cream scoop).
4. Dredge the meatballs in flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 6 minutes total, turning to brown all sides. Set the browned meatballs aside.

2. Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Return the meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Partially cover with a lid or splatter screen and let simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
5. Five minutes before the sauce is done, stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce and meatballs.
3. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. For a golden crust, broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve and Garnish

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	700 mg

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the spaghetti as it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Sear the Meatballs: Browning adds depth of flavor to the meatballs and prevents them from falling apart.
4. Make It Cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta or extra mozzarella for a creamier casserole.
5. Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Option

• Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

2. Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the meatballs.

3. Spicy Twist

• Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.

4. Extra Herbs

• Incorporate oregano or thyme into the meatball mixture for more aromatic flavors.

5. Cheesy Layer

• Add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with egg and parsley between the spaghetti and mozzarella.

FAQs About Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, store-bought meatballs work well if you’re short on time. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. What side dishes go well with this casserole?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine can be used as substitutes for spaghetti.

6. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to let the cheese melt and brown.

Conclusion: A Family Favorite Worth Trying

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole is the perfect dish for any occasion, offering a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal. With its tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy baked topping, this casserole is bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and make this comforting classic tonight. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

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