Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious and comforting dish that combines classic Italian flavors with a twist. Here’s a recipe to help you make baked spaghetti and meatballs at home:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
– 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste.
For the spaghetti:
– 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti noodles
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
7. Place the cooked spaghetti in a greased baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the spaghetti and toss to coat evenly.
8. Arrange the meatballs on top of the spaghetti and sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and spaghetti.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve the baked spaghetti and meatballs hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Note: Feel free to modify the recipe according to your taste preferences. You can add additional ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.