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–+ servings
Melany

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole

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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs:
  1. Combine diced bread and cold water in a small bowl. Mash into a paste after 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the bread paste, ground beef, sausage, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg until well combined.
  3. Form 1 1/2-inch meatballs and dredge them lightly in flour.
  4. 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:
  1. In the same skillet, sauté onions in oil over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  5. Add basil 5 minutes before the sauce is done.
3. Cook the Spaghetti:
  1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs in a large bowl.
  3. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
6. Serve:
  1. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. 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.

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