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- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 2 cups marinara sauce I always start with the main ingredients. The spaghetti forms the base of your dish. Choose a good quality brand. The ground beef gives the meatballs their flavor and texture. I prefer 80/20 ground beef for a juicy bite. The marinara sauce adds richness and depth to the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on your time. - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg The meatball mixture is crucial for taste. Breadcrumbs help bind the meat together. They also ensure the meatballs stay moist. Parmesan adds a nice cheesy flavor. It makes the meatballs special. The egg acts as a binder. It holds everything together, preventing crumbling. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Seasonings elevate your dish. Garlic offers a strong, tasty punch. I always use fresh or minced garlic. Dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. They add a classic Italian flavor. Fresh basil leaves serve as a bright garnish. They add color and freshness to your meal. When you plate your dish, a sprinkle of basil makes it look lovely. For the complete cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes in boiling water. - In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, and herbs. - Mix well, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. - Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake for 20 minutes until browned and cooked through. - In a large dish, mix spaghetti, marinara sauce, and baked meatballs. - Top with mozzarella cheese and bake again for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Follow the Full Recipe for detailed cooking steps and exact measurements! To make moist meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs soak up moisture and keep the meatballs tender. Always add an egg to bind the mixture. This keeps them from falling apart. When you season the mixture, don’t hold back! Use salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. You can also mix in grated cheese for extra flavor. You can boost your marinara sauce with spices or herbs. Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil or oregano can brighten up the sauce too. Different cheeses can change the taste. Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. Mix and match cheeses to find your favorite combo. When plating, use a large spoon to create a nest of spaghetti. Place meatballs on top for a lovely look. Drizzle some sauce around the plate for color. For garnish, fresh basil leaves add a nice touch. A sprinkle of grated cheese over the top can make it even fancier. To make it pop, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. For more detailed steps and a complete list of ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner and still tasty. If you prefer a meat-free meal, try using plant-based meat. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Both choices keep your meal light while still being filling. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti. This swap keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets. You can also find gluten-free breadcrumbs and marinara sauces. These small changes keep the flavors intact while fitting dietary needs. Want to mix up the taste? Add colorful veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They boost both flavor and nutrition. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This simple addition can bring a spicy kick to your dish. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. To store baked spaghetti and meatballs, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for best results. Place your leftovers in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the dish into smaller portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label them with the date. Baked spaghetti and meatballs can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, reheat your baked spaghetti and meatballs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a baking pan. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to avoid dryness. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes. Stir the dish in between to ensure even heating. Baked spaghetti and meatballs can last in the fridge for three to four days. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any strange smells or changes in color. If the cheese appears hard or the sauce looks watery, it's best to toss it. When stored properly, this dish remains fresh and delicious. Enjoy those leftovers safely! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. You can pair baked spaghetti and meatballs with a fresh garden salad. A crisp Caesar salad also works well. Garlic bread is a classic side that everyone loves. It adds crunch and flavor. For drinks, a nice red wine like Chianti complements the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. To make this dish ahead, cook the spaghetti and meatballs first. Mix them with sauce and cheese, then store in the fridge. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it for later. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe dish. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake until heated through. Yes, store-bought sauce can save time. Look for a brand with simple ingredients and no added sugar. A good marinara should taste fresh and rich. To boost its flavor, add fresh herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This makes the dish even tastier! Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a simple and tasty meal. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make it great. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins or flavors. Storing leftovers properly will keep your meal fresh. Whether you make it for yourself or share with friends, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun with it!

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy a hearty dish with this easy baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe! Perfect for family dinners, it combines spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and melted mozzarella for a comforting meal everyone will love. Learn how to prepare homemade meatballs, bake them to perfection, and mix with marinara sauce for an unforgettable flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delicious dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) spaghetti

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

    Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

      Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything thoroughly until well blended.

        Form Meatballs: With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. You should yield about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size preference.

          Bake Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

            Combine Ingredients: In a spacious baking dish, blend together the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and the baked meatballs. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure everything is evenly coated and mixed.

              Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the spaghetti and meatball mixture, ensuring it covers the dish completely.

                Bake Again: Place the dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a luscious golden brown color.

                  Serve: Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

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