Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: The Ultimate Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Casserole
Pasta holds a special place in our hearts and kitchens, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. From quick weeknight dinners to elaborate Sunday feasts, its versatility is unmatched. Spaghetti, in particular, is a beloved staple for families worldwide. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate your classic spaghetti and meatballs into something even more extraordinary, a dish that combines all the comforting flavors you adore with a delightful cheesy bake? This recipe for Italian-style meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and spaghetti baked into a cheesy and delicious casserole will undoubtedly become a fast family favorite!
Enter Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs – a culinary marvel that transforms a simple pasta dish into a hearty, bubbling casserole. This isn’t just spaghetti; it’s a symphony of perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian-style meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and generous layers of gooey, melted cheese, all baked together until golden and irresistible. It’s a meal that promises to satisfy every craving, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table. The beauty of baking spaghetti lies in how the flavors meld together, creating a depth and richness that simply boiling and saucing can’t achieve. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving and makes for fantastic leftovers, becoming even more delicious the next day!
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The Magic of Baking Your Favorite Spaghetti
Spaghetti is already a regular in many households, cherished for being quick, easy, and a universally loved dish. But what could possibly make classic spaghetti better? Baking it with an abundance of cheese until it’s bubbly, golden, and even MORE delicious! This method creates a magnificent casserole where the pasta absorbs the rich marinara sauce, and the meatballs infuse their flavors throughout, all tied together with that irresistible cheesy crust. It’s comfort food taken to the next level, perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Just look at THAT! Homemade Italian sausage meatballs, luscious marinara, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and generous layers of cheese. This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a masterpiece of textures and flavors.
(It’s okay if you want to skip ahead to the recipe right now… I don’t blame you – it’s that good!)
The presentation is beautiful, promising a truly satisfying meal, and the process to create this delightful dish is surprisingly simple. Let’s get started on bringing this incredible Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs to your table!
Crafting the Perfect Italian Meatballs
The star of this dish, undoubtedly, is the homemade Italian sausage meatballs. While store-bought options can work in a pinch, taking a few extra minutes to craft your own meatballs makes all the difference in flavor and texture for this baked spaghetti casserole. Our recipe calls for ground Italian sausage, which brings an inherent depth of flavor and seasoning, whether you prefer mild or spicy. Combining the sausage with an egg for binding, seasoned breadcrumbs for texture, Parmesan cheese for a salty kick, and a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano ensures each meatball is bursting with authentic Italian taste.
To prepare these delectable meatballs, simply combine the ground Italian sausage, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, then roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs. You should be able to get around 24 meatballs from one pound of sausage.
Next, place the meatballs in a skillet and brown them on all sides until they are cooked through. This crucial step not only cooks them but also develops a rich, caramelized crust that locks in moisture and flavor, setting the stage for the rest of the baked spaghetti dish.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. This keeps your casserole lighter and ensures the flavors remain clean and delicious.
Assembling Your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Masterpiece
The assembly of this baked spaghetti casserole is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Begin by ensuring your spaghetti noodles are cooked al dente according to package instructions. Cooking them al dente is crucial, as they will continue to cook and absorb moisture in the oven without becoming mushy. If you’re using the same skillet you browned the meatballs in, simply wipe out any excess grease with a paper towel. Otherwise, use a 9×13 baking dish lightly coated with olive oil.
Place the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly in the bottom of your chosen baking dish, creating a delicious base for the casserole. Next, artfully arrange your savory, browned Italian meatballs over the pasta.
…then pour your marinara sauce generously over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated and ready to meld together in the oven. For this recipe, we recommend a good quality jarred marinara, but if you have time, making your own homemade sauce can truly elevate the dish to new culinary heights.
The Cheesy Top & Baking Perfection
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, comes the cheese! Top your casserole generously with both shredded Parmesan and Italian cheese blend. This combination offers both melty stretchiness and sharp, savory notes, creating that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly crust that everyone loves. Bake the dish for about 15 minutes in a preheated oven (375°F), or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the pasta is heated through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Garnish with chopped fresh basil for serving, if desired, to add a touch of freshness and vibrant color. This baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying and perfect for any occasion.
Elevate Your Dish with Homemade Marinara Sauce
More Pasta Favorites from Our Kitchen
Do YOU love pasta like WE love Pasta? We believe pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a canvas for vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Here are a couple more of our cherished pasta-inspired favorites that you might enjoy after trying this fantastic baked spaghetti and meatballs!
I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely starving after hearing about this delicious and easy one-pot Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs casserole! It’s the kind of dish that gathers everyone around the table, offering warmth, satisfaction, and delicious memories. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable Italian-style comfort meal. Buon appetito!
Let’s cook! 
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Print Recipe
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 2 pound jar spaghetti sauce, I used marinara
- 1 8 Ounce shredded Italian Cheese Blend
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy, your choice
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped basil for garnishing if desired.
Instructions
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Cook spaghetti according to package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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To prepare the meatballs, combine the ground Italian sausage, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined, then roll into small, uniform meatballs (you should get about 24 meatballs). Place them in a large skillet and brown on all sides until the meatballs are cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
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**NOTE:** You can use the same large cast iron skillet to bake your pasta if it’s oven-safe. Simply wipe the excess grease out with a paper towel before adding the pasta. If you’re not using the same pan, use a 9×13 inch baking dish, lightly coated with olive oil on the bottom.
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Place the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your chosen baking dish. Arrange the meatballs evenly over the spaghetti. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, ensuring everything is well coated.
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Top generously with both the shredded Parmesan and Italian cheese blend.
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Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden, and the pasta is heated through.
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Garnish with chopped fresh basil for serving, if desired, to add a fresh aroma and flavor.