Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is pure comfort food magic—tender spaghetti twirled with marinara, handmade savory meatballs, and ooey-gooey cheese all baked together into one irresistible dish. If you love Italian flavors and crave the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table smiling, this recipe is going to win your heart. It’s the perfect choice for cozy nights, casual family dinners, or when you just want something that feels like a big, warm hug.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs lies in its simple, honest ingredients, each one bringing something essential to the table. Everything here builds rich flavor, chewy texture, or that classic Italian color we love—don’t skip a thing!

• Spaghetti (12 oz): Gets deliciously coated in sauce and cheese, baking up with perfect texture.
• Ground beef (1 lb): The star of your meatballs—choose 80/20 for balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Egg (1): Binds the meatballs together for a juicy, tender bite.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the meatballs with classic, aromatic flavor.
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Keeps the meatballs moist and helps them hold their shape.
• Salt (1 tsp): Rounds out all the flavors; don’t be shy!
• Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Lends a subtle warmth and complexity to the meatballs.
• Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup for meatballs & 1/2 cup for topping): Adds a burst of savory, nutty depth both inside and on top.
• Marinara sauce (3 cups): Coats the noodles and nestles the meatballs in rich, tangy tomato goodness.
• Shredded mozzarella (2 cups): Provides that stretchy, melty cheese layer everyone loves!

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your spaghetti and cook it just until al dente—the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain well and set to the side as you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Grab a big bowl and combine the ground beef, egg, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of parmesan. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just incorporated—don’t overmix, or your meatballs might get tough. Shape into meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the meatballs in a single layer, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes. They’ll come out deliciously browned on the outside and perfectly juicy inside—no frying required!

Step 4: Layer the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Now, the fun part! In a large baking dish, first lay down your cooked spaghetti. Pour over the marinara sauce, making sure every noodle gets a bit of love. Nestle the baked meatballs evenly throughout the dish, letting their juiciness sink into the spaghetti.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, then shower it with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated parmesan. You’re after a gooey, golden-brown blanket that says “dig in!”.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the whole dish into a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye out around the 15-minute mark—you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and begging to be scooped up.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs rest for 5 minutes out of the oven (hardest step, but worth it!). Then slice, serve hot, and watch everyone swoon, especially with a basket of garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top of the cheese takes Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs from comforting to downright beautiful. You could also add a final dusting of parmesan, or even a quick grate of lemon zest for a hint of brightness if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Classic garlic bread is a total must for soaking up those extra bits of sauce, but you can also serve a big green salad with Italian vinaigrette. For something heartier, consider roasted broccoli or even sautéed spinach—veggie lovers, this is your time to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or pile it high family style for a fun, communal feast. You can even roll leftovers into a lunch wrap with extra mozzarella for an unexpected (but glorious) twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, and the reheated dish is almost as tasty as the first time around.

Freezing

For longer storage, let your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil followed by plastic wrap, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps beautifully frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights or future cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of extra marinara if things seem a little dry.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even go for penne or rigatoni if you love a little more texture. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta is al dente before baking.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Homemade marinara brings unbeatable flavor, but a good-quality store-bought jar works great too. Look for one with minimal sugar and real ingredients; taste as you go to make sure it’s as tangy and seasoned as you like.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

You sure can! Shape and bake the meatballs up to two days in advance, then refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the dish. This makes putting together Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs a breeze on busy nights.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use part-skim mozzarella if you want a lighter meal. Adding sautéed veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the layers is another great way to bump up nutrition without losing that craveable flavor.

Can I make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and swap regular breadcrumbs in the meatballs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground oats. Double-check your marinara as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing quite like gathering loved ones around the table for bubbling, cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs. I hope you try this recipe soon—it’s comfort food at its coziest, with a flavor that always brings people back for seconds. Enjoy every mouthful!