Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This delicious recipe starts with homemade meatballs that are perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection. Then I make a simple meat sauce to which I add the meatballs. Finally, a rich, creamy, and cheesy white sauce is combined with spaghetti noodles, and it’s all topped with meatballs and sauce. It’s covered with mozzarella cheese and baked to ooey-gooey perfection, creating a meatball pasta bake that’s rich, hearty, and super cheesy. Everyone loves it, and it’s actually rather simple to make. Everybody wins!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

• It uses two delicious sauces – a creamy white sauce and a meat sauce – and is absolutely delicious.
• It’s a great dinner recipe any time of year, and the meatballs are tender and delicious.
• The leftovers are just as good the next day, and the whole family will love it.

Tips

• Cook the pasta only to al dente. You don’t want them to get too soft when you bake the dish.
• Don’t overcook the meat and onions for the meat sauce. You want the onions soft, not browned.
• The easiest way to mix the meatball mixture is by using your hands.

Variations

• You can substitute turkey for ground beef if you like.
• For a kick of heat, try using hot Italian sausage.
• If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use half and half or even milk in a pinch.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

You absolutely can! They’ll cook up just, as well, and it’s perfect when you’re pressed for time.

How long does it take to bake meatballs at 350 degrees?

It can take anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes depending on the size of the meatballs.

How do you tell when meatballs are done?

The only surefire way to tell if your meatballs are done is to test one with a meat thermometer. If it registers 165 degrees in the center, the meatballs are cooked.

Should you brown meatballs before putting them in sauce?

You don’t necessarily have to brown them, but you should cook them. Whether you bake them or cook them in a skillet, meatballs should be cooked before putting them in sauce so they hold their shape and don’t release grease into the sauce.

Should you bake or fry your meatballs?

Either way works well. It all comes down to personal preference.

Can you freeze cooked spaghetti and meatballs?

You can freeze cooked spaghetti and meatballs for up to 6 months. It freezes very well.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.

To reheat, place the spaghetti and meatballs in a baking dish, cover, with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you’ll easily find at your local grocery store. Most of these are pantry staples, so you’ll probably have the majority of them in your kitchen already.

• Ground beef
• Ground Italian sausage
• Onion,
• Garlic powder
• Slap ya mama
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Oregano
• Basil
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Large egg
• Milk
• Parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter
• All purpose flour
• Heavy whipping cream
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Pasta water
• Spaghetti noodles
• Mozzarella cheese

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

At first glance, this recipe might seem like a lot, but it’s actually quick and easy. The meatballs and both sauces are easy to make. You’ll have no problem with this one.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 deep casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the directions for al dente, drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

Cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onions in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Drain and return to the pan. Then, add the seasonings and stir. Finally, add the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir and simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the pan and stir until combined. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Finally, add the reserved pasta water and stir.

Step 4: Construct the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Combine the pasta and cheese sauce and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Then, top with the meatballs and meat sauce and cover with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Enjoy!

Try This Delicious Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Today

This baked spaghetti and meatballs is absolutely delicious and so much easier to make than you’d think. This completely from-scratch pasta bake is rich and hearty, and it will satisfy even the biggest eaters. Give this one a try, and I know you and your family will love it as much as mine does.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Italian Sausage Penne Pasta – This delicious pasta recipe is loaded with Italian sausage, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, seasonings, penne pasta, lots of cheese and is a family favorite pasta recipe.

Cheesy Hamburger Pasta – A hearty, quick and easy, pasta recipe that can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Full of flavor, this delicious cheesy pasta recipe makes a great dinner or lunch recipe.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – This comfort food recipe is packed with perfectly seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, tender pasta and lots of cheese.

And, this Baked Bowtie Pasta, from Deliciously Seasoned, is an absolutely scrumptious pasta recipe that the whole family is going to love and request often. Super cheesy and flavorful.