The Ultimate Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Let me guess: You’re craving something cozy, hearty, and downright delicious—maybe a little something that’ll take you back to those family dinners when everyone gathered around the table. If that’s the case, then baked spaghetti and meatballs is about to become your new favorite comfort food.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Baked spaghetti and meatballs? That sounds a little fancy, doesn’t it?” Trust me, it’s so much easier than it sounds—and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start baking your spaghetti years ago.

So, grab a big spoon, a comfy chair, and let’s dive right into this ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a total beginner, this one’s for you.

What’s the Big Deal About Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Baked spaghetti and meatballs is basically the marriage of two classic comfort foods. You’ve got spaghetti—warm, cheesy, and saucy, like a hug in a bowl—and then meatballs that are seasoned to perfection and cooked until they’re juicy and tender. But here’s the game-changer: Everything’s baked together in the oven until the cheese is bubbly, the sauce is rich, and everything is just… perfect.

Honestly, it’s like your mom’s spaghetti but kicked up a notch. It’s comforting, it’s satisfying, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to actually look forward to.

Looking for another tasty pasta dish? Try this Shrimp and Sausage Pasta for a flavorful twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the details, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this baked spaghetti and meatballs dish:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned—your call!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (fresh is best, but dried will work in a pinch)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Spaghetti and Sauce:

• 1 lb spaghetti pasta (you can use any pasta, but spaghetti is the classic choice)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little heat!)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Alright, now that we’ve got everything ready to go, let’s get to the fun part—the cooking!

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Start by making the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Now, I know this can get a little messy (welcome to the world of meatball-making), but just dive in with your hands and mix everything together until it’s well-combined. It’s totally worth the mess.

Once everything is mixed, roll the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs. You should get around 20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them until they’re golden brown on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through right now; we’re going to bake them in the oven later, so just get them nice and crispy on the outside.

Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Don’t be shy about snacking on a few of them while you work—meatballs are dangerously delicious.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs are frying up, it’s time to cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it.

Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Meatballs, and Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for the baking magic.

Now, grab a large baking dish (a 9×13 dish works great) and start layering. First, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then, add half of your cooked spaghetti, followed by half of your meatballs. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over everything, making sure everything is nicely covered.

Top it with half of the shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Repeat with the second layer: add the remaining spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and top it all off with the rest of the cheese.

Step 4: Bake It

Now for the best part—baking! Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you like your cheese extra crispy (who doesn’t?), you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to give it that perfect golden top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Take the dish out of the oven (be careful, it’s hot!) and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you want to give it a little pop of color.

Serve it up, grab a fork, and dig in. You’ve just made one of the coziest, most delicious dishes you can imagine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a solo dinner, this baked spaghetti and meatballs will hit the spot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Meatball Variation: You can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option, or even go for a mix of beef and sausage for extra flavor.
• Homemade Sauce: If you’re feeling fancy, you can make your own marinara sauce. It’s super simple with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a little sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the meatballs and sauce the day before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble everything and pop it in the oven.
• Extra Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The more gooey, melted cheese, the better. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan will make this dish next-level.

Why Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Baked spaghetti and meatballs really is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why: it combines all the best parts of a meal—tender, juicy meatballs, savory pasta, and gooey, melted cheese—all baked together to form one perfect dish. You get the hearty satisfaction of a classic spaghetti dinner with the added bonus of cheese bubbling up in the oven and crispy edges that make each bite even more satisfying.

There’s something about the combination of spaghetti, marinara sauce, and meatballs that feels so nostalgic. It’s the kind of dish you remember having at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or even on those lazy nights when all you want is something simple and delicious. Baked spaghetti and meatballs takes all of that and gives it a warm, cheesy upgrade. It’s like a big ol’ comfort blanket for your taste buds.

Perfect Pairings for Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

So, you’ve got your baked spaghetti and meatballs—yum, right? But what do you serve with it to make this meal even better? You could just go ahead and eat it straight from the baking dish (no judgment), but let’s face it—this dish deserves some sides that’ll do it justice.

Here are a few classic pairings that go perfectly with baked spaghetti and meatballs:

Garlic Bread

Honestly, is there anything better than garlic bread alongside spaghetti? It’s a match made in carb heaven. You get that crispy, buttery crunch that balances out the cheesy, saucy goodness of the pasta. Plus, it’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce that’s left on your plate. Can’t go wrong.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crisp Caesar salad is just what you need to cut through all that richness. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons are the perfect contrast to the hearty meatballs and pasta. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in a few minutes!

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add a bit of color and some extra nutrients to the meal, roasted veggies are the way to go. Caramelized onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms bring a savory, slightly sweet touch that balances out the rest of the meal.

Customizing Your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

One of the best things about baked spaghetti and meatballs is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have in your kitchen. Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:

Add More Cheese

We all know that cheese makes everything better. So, if you’re a cheese lover (guilty!), go ahead and add extra mozzarella or even a layer of provolone on top. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of cream or ricotta can add a rich, creamy layer to the mix. Just make sure to let it melt and bubble to perfection.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, this is your chance to kick things up a notch. Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some hot Italian sausage in with your meatballs. The spicy kick will balance the rich flavors of the cheese and pasta.

Go Gluten-Free

No problem! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs. You won’t miss a thing. Same cozy, comforting dish—just made with ingredients that work for your diet.

Swap the Meatballs

Not a fan of beef or pork? No worries. You can swap out the traditional meatballs for turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meatballs. It’s an easy way to cater to different diets or just switch things up if you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish.

Making Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs for a Crowd

If you’re planning to feed a big group—family, friends, or even a neighborhood potluck—baked spaghetti and meatballs is your go-to dish. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and everyone loves it.

Here’s the thing: baked spaghetti and meatballs is one of those meals that can be scaled up without too much effort. You just need a bigger pan and a few more ingredients, and you’re good to go. Plus, it keeps well as leftovers, so you won’t have to worry about anyone going home hungry.

You can also set up a little pasta bar! Serve the baked spaghetti and meatballs alongside extra toppings like grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or even a drizzle of extra marinara sauce so everyone can customize their meal. It’s a fun way to make the dinner feel a little more interactive.

Why Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Makes the Best Leftovers

We all know that leftovers are often the best part of making a big meal—and when it comes to baked spaghetti and meatballs, that couldn’t be more true. The flavors just get better as it sits, making this a dish you’ll actually look forward to eating again.

When you reheat baked spaghetti and meatballs, the cheese gets that perfect, melty texture again, and the sauce has had more time to soak into the pasta and meatballs. It’s even better than the first time around! I mean, who doesn’t love leftovers that taste like they’ve been marinating in all that deliciousness?

Plus, it’s one of those meals that just tastes as good (if not better) the next day, so it’s great for meal prep. Whether you’re heating it up for lunch or dinner, you’ll be in for a treat.

The Best Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

To make sure your baked spaghetti and meatballs turns out just right, here are a few kitchen tools that’ll make your life easier:

• Large Skillet: You’ll need a big skillet to fry your meatballs before baking them. A heavy-duty pan will help get them crispy on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: The classic choice for baked spaghetti! It gives you enough room to layer the pasta, sauce, and meatballs and makes everything bakes evenly.
• Pasta Pot: A large pot with plenty of space to cook the spaghetti. A deep pot is ideal for making sure the pasta has enough room to move around as it cooks.
• Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese will make a huge difference in flavor. Skip the pre-shredded stuff—it’s worth the extra minute to grate your own!

FAQs

Conclusion

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that food has a magical way of bringing people together. As far as comfort food goes, baked spaghetti and meatballs is the most mouth-watering palate-puller known to humankind (or should I say stroke a plate?). It is simple, comfortable, and wholly versatile and adaptable to every flavor profile. Whether you are in the mood for a classic, cheesy version, or want to spice things up with a few creative twists, this dish is good for all occasions.

Baked spaghetti and meatballs are not only mouth-wateringly delicious but also serve versatility. It will go beautifully for a busy weekend evening, an easy-going dinner with the family, even a large party for a bunch of friends. And the next day? It is possible that leftovers would taste better – if that is even possible!

So, don’t wait another minute to try this mouthwatering dish. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the magic of baked spaghetti and meatballs turn your kitchen into the most comforting place on Earth. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish can make you feel so full—both in belly and in heart.

Happy cooking, and here’s to many more cozy, cheesy meals! 🍝❤️