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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 2 cups marinara sauce The main ingredients in baked spaghetti and meatballs are simple yet essential. You need spaghetti to create the dish's base. The ground beef adds rich flavor and protein. Marinara sauce ties everything together, giving a comforting taste. - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can enhance your dish with a few special touches. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, making them tender. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish and add freshness. - Ground turkey instead of ground beef - Gluten-free pasta options If you want healthier options, ground turkey works well in place of beef. If you need gluten-free pasta, many brands offer tasty choices. These swaps can help make the dish fit your diet needs without losing flavor. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly. - Gather all your cooking tools. You’ll need a large pot, a baking dish, and a baking sheet. - In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. - Cook 12 oz of spaghetti until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. - Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Add 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of dried Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. - Mix everything well with your hands until combined. It should feel sticky but not wet. - Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. You’ll make 16 to 20 meatballs. - Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake them for about 20 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. - In a large baking dish, mix the cooked spaghetti with 2 cups of marinara sauce and the baked meatballs. - Stir gently so the meatballs are evenly distributed through the spaghetti. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. - Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. - Look for bubbly and golden cheese before you take it out. - Let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This is how you create a warm, cozy dish of baked spaghetti and meatballs. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! To make great meatballs, binding is key. You need to mix the beef with breadcrumbs and egg. This helps hold the meatballs together. If you skip this, they may fall apart while cooking. Cooking time is also very important. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. This gives them a nice brown color and keeps them tender. You want them cooked through but not dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 160°F (70°C) inside. Spices and herbs can turn a good dish into a great one. I suggest using dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil. They add depth and warmth to your meatballs. Also, never overlook the marinara sauce. A great sauce can make all the difference. Choose a high-quality brand or make your own. Fresh flavors will shine through in your dish. Look for sauces made with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. Garnishing is an easy way to elevate your dish. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and aroma. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. For serving, pair your baked spaghetti and meatballs with a simple side salad. A light green salad with lemon dressing complements the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to make this cozy dish! {{image_2}} If you want a meatless dish, try using lentil or chickpea meatballs. These options are hearty and tasty. You can also use store-bought veggie meatballs. For pasta, spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash works great. These veggies give a fresh twist to the dish and cut carbs too. You can switch up the sauce for a new flavor. Alfredo sauce adds creaminess, while pesto gives a fresh taste. Think about blending marinara with roasted red peppers for a sweet kick. Each sauce opens new doors for flavor combinations. Cheese makes everything better! Try using provolone or gouda for a different taste. Mixing in ricotta cheese can also add creaminess. Top with breadcrumbs or Italian seasoning for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy finish. To keep your baked spaghetti and meatballs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it up. The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese nice and gooey. If you're in a hurry, the microwave is fine too. Just use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze baked spaghetti and meatballs, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Label with the date. It will stay good for about three months. For defrosting, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. This way, you keep all the flavors intact! To keep meatballs moist, use a few simple tips. First, mix the meat gently. Overworking it can make them tough. Second, add breadcrumbs and egg to bind the meatballs. They help trap moisture. You can also soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing. This adds extra softness. Lastly, bake them just until they are cooked through. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the spaghetti and meatballs, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, bake until hot. Serve baked spaghetti and meatballs with a fresh green salad. A side of garlic bread enhances the meal. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color and flavor. This adds a nice touch to the dish. For the complete recipe with all details, visit the [Full Recipe](#). This blog post walks you through making baked spaghetti and meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Feel free to explore variations and storage ideas too. Cooking should be fun and easy. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meals. With practice, you'll make this dish perfectly every time. Happy cooking!

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with this easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe! This dish combines tender spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and gooey mozzarella for a family-friendly feast. Follow our simple steps to create a mouth-watering dinner that's perfect for any night. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) spaghetti

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs.

          Bake Meatballs: Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and the baked meatballs until evenly combined.

              Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti and meatballs.

                Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 55 mins | Serves 4-6