Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Combine spaghetti and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce and water. The extra water helps prevent the spaghetti from drying out during baking.
- Layer the ingredients: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sauced spaghetti. Top with half of the baked meatballs, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meatballs, and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and serve: Let the baked spaghetti and meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Visual Guide:
- Image 1: Ingredients prepped and ready to mix for meatballs.
- Image 2: Meatballs formed and placed on the baking sheet, ready for the oven.
- Image 3: Spaghetti being tossed with marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Image 4: Layering the spaghetti, meatballs, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Image 5: The final dish, baked to perfection, with a golden cheese topping.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized meatballs. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Undercook the spaghetti slightly; it will continue to cook in the oven, so cooking it to just under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the melding of flavors and textures in this delicious, oven-baked creation.