Description
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole. Tender spaghetti and juicy meatballs are coated in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this hearty dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, diced
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb sweet ground Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tbsp light olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 56 oz (2 cans) crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Other Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Combine diced bread and cold water in a small bowl. Mash into a paste after 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the bread paste, ground beef, sausage, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg until well combined.
- Form 1 1/2-inch meatballs and dredge them lightly in flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs in batches for 6 minutes, browning all sides. Set aside.
2. Make the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions in oil over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add basil 5 minutes before the sauce is done.
3. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
6. Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- This dish freezes well; assemble without baking, freeze, and bake fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American