Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

 Experience the ultimate comfort food with this crowd-pleasing dish. Tender spaghetti and savory homemade meatballs are smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked under a blanket of bubbly, golden mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that turns a classic into a spectacular family dinner.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 8 ounces ground beef

• 8 ounces ground pork

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

• A pinch of nutmeg

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Assembly:

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (or similar 2-quart) baking dish.

Step 2: Create the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, and nutmeg. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Use your hands or a fork to mix until the ingredients are just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1¼ to 1½-inch meatballs (you should have about 18-20).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the browned meatballs to a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are browning, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti well and return it to the pot. Pour the marinara sauce over the hot pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the sauced spaghetti to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Arrange the browned meatballs evenly over the bed of spaghetti. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering everything completely.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots. The meatballs should be cooked through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and comforting dish straight from the oven!