Description
Hearty baked spaghetti layered with tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. A comforting Italian-American classic perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces spaghetti
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix gently until just combined
Form into 16–18 meatballs and place on a baking sheet
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain
In the same skillet, sauté onion and remaining 2 cloves garlic until softened. Add 1 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining pepper. Simmer 10 minutes
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer spaghetti, meatballs, and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden
Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and basil before serving
Notes
Meatballs can be made up to 1 day ahead
Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience
Let rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 helping
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg