Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

You may be surprised to learn that baking spaghetti and meatballs is an ingenious way to transform leftovers into a hearty, comforting casserole. By combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish showcases the versatility of Italian cuisine. With the right balance of ingredients, like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella cheese, you can create a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious. Curious to discover the secrets behind this culinary delight?

History

While the exact origins of baked spaghetti and meatballs remain unclear, the dish likely evolved as a way to transform leftover pasta and sauce into a hearty, comforting casserole.

As Italian cuisine continued its culinary evolution, home cooks began experimenting with baking spaghetti and meatballs together, creating a dish that combined the nostalgic flavors of a classic pasta dish with the convenience and versatility of a casserole.

The result is a satisfying meal that showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of traditional Italian flavors, blending them into a comforting and crowd-pleasing baked dish.

Recipe

Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort food dish that combines the flavors of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. This recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-follow method for creating this family-favorite meal.

The key to this dish lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The meatballs, made with a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs, provide a hearty and satisfying element, while the spaghetti and creamy tomato sauce create a comforting base.

Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt, creating a truly irresistible dish.

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making certain they're evenly coated.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake the dish for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To guarantee the best results, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Additionally, consider adding a touch of fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Serve the baked spaghetti and meatballs hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Guide

This baked spaghetti and meatballs dish offers a hearty and satisfying nutritional profile.

One serving provides a generous 12 grams of fiber, largely from the whole-wheat pasta and tomato sauce. The meatballs contribute a robust 28 grams of protein, primarily from lean ground beef and pork.

Pair this with fresh basil, garlic, and crushed red pepper for an aromatic and flavorful meal. The calcium from the mozzarella cheese and lycopene from the tomatoes further enhance the nutritional value.

With 550 calories per serving, this comforting dish can be enjoyed as a complete and balanced meal. Savor the delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.