Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the coziness of a casserole with the timeless appeal of spaghetti and meatballs. Making the meatballs from scratch gives a richer, fresher flavor, and baking everything together allows the sauce and cheese to infuse into the pasta. It’s also a make-ahead-friendly meal that reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the casserole:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil, to prevent sticking
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Optional garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley

Directions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes (they will finish cooking in the oven). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
4. Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread half the marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the spaghetti and meatballs, then top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach to the spaghetti before baking.
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo or pink sauce for a twist.
• Make it extra cheesy with provolone or fontina in addition to mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. This dish can also be frozen wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.

Do I need to fully cook the meatballs before baking?

No, they just need to be browned; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, pre-cooked meatballs work just add them to the casserole with the pasta and sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, penne, or rigatoni also work well.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from drying out?

Make sure it’s well-coated in sauce before baking and cover with foil for the first part of baking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables in place of the meat.

Can I add extra sauce?

Absolutely more sauce keeps the pasta moist and adds flavor.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

Provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack are good melty alternatives.

Can I prepare this as a freezer meal?

Yes, assemble the casserole, wrap well, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding about 15–20 extra minutes to cooking time.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a family-friendly, comforting classic that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With homemade meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s the perfect dish for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

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