Name: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 lb Italian ground pork; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup whole milk; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp dried parsley; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked per package directions; 1 tbsp olive oil; ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; ⅛ tsp black pepper; 32 ounces your favorite red pasta sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 15 reviews

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate cozy classic that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked spaghetti, crowned with juicy homemade meatballs, all blanketed in a bubbling layer of gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce. Every bite is a celebration of Italian-American goodness, made for sharing and savoring with your favorite people. If you crave comfort food that feels like the hug you didn’t know you needed, this dish is a must-make.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs begins with straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a special role: from tender meats and aromatic herbs to silky pasta and the golden, melty cheese topping that ties it all together.

Lean ground beef: Provides savory flavor and hearty texture in every meatball.
Italian ground pork: Adds richness and authentic Italian taste to the meatballs.
Italian breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them light and tender.
Whole milk: Moistens the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring juicy meatballs.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses deep aromatic flavor into the meatballs.
Italian seasoning: Delivers classic herb notes, giving each bite of Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs authentic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet complexity that’s indispensable.
Dried parsley: Herbaceous and lightly bitter, it balances the meat mixture perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (shredded): Essential for that nutty, salty punch and cheesy texture.
Salt and pepper: Classic must-haves to enhance every other ingredient.
Eggs (lightly beaten): Work as a binder, making sure your meatballs don’t fall apart.
Spaghetti noodles: The foundation of the dish—choose a quality brand for best results.
Olive oil: Adds richness and prevents pasta from sticking together.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Delivers that irresistibly gooey, melted layer on top.
Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Sprinkled throughout for fresh pops of color and taste.
Your favorite red pasta sauce: Go for something robust and flavorful—homemade or a great jar!
Baking dish spray or oil: Ensures an easy release later with no sticky cleanup.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian pork, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and the beaten eggs. Don’t overwork the mixture—use your hands for the gentlest, most even blending. This step sets the stage for tender, flavorful meatballs.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Decide how big you want your meatballs—smaller for lots of bites or larger for that dramatic presentation. Scoop your meat mixture into even balls and arrange them on your lined baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes for small meatballs, or about 25 minutes for larger ones. Look for golden tops and an irresistible aroma wafting from the oven!

Step 3: Cook and Dress the Spaghetti

Boil your spaghetti following the package directions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and return it to the pot. Drizzle with olive oil, toss thoughtfully, and fold in mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and a touch of black pepper. This simple trick infuses the noodles with flavor, setting the tone for the whole casserole.

Step 4: Assemble Your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange your cheesy spaghetti noodle mixture in the bottom of the dish, then nestle the baked meatballs in—tuck them just enough so the top half peeks out. Pour your chosen pasta sauce generously over everything, making sure it settles among the noodles and meatballs for perfect coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and shower with mozzarella and Parmesan. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the edges are bubbling enthusiastically. This is where Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs transforms into an irresistible, cheesy masterpiece.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving gives your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs a bright, inviting look and a touch of herby freshness. Don’t be shy about adding a little extra shaved Parmesan for that fancy, restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is the star of the show, but it loves a classic sidekick! Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. These sides balance the richness of the casserole and turn dinner into a real Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or scoop it into large pasta bowls and top with extra sauce and cheese. If you’re feeling playful, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving to customize every plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats beautifully and somehow tastes even more comforting the next day.

Freezing

This dish is as freezer-friendly as it gets! For best results, let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350 degree oven until hot and bubbly. For a quick lunch, individual servings can be microwaved—just add a splash of extra sauce to keep everything moist and cheesy.

FAQs

Can I use all beef or all pork instead of a mix?

Absolutely! While the combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs extra depth and tenderness, you can use just one type if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.

What’s the best kind of pasta sauce for this recipe?

Choose a flavorful, robust red pasta sauce—whether it’s a tried-and-true homemade marinara or your favorite store-bought jar. Experiment with roasted garlic or spicy arrabbiata for a fun twist.

Can I assemble Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the final baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.

Is it okay to use pre-made frozen meatballs?

You can, in a pinch! Homemade meatballs will taste fresher and have better texture, but frozen meatballs can help on busy weeknights. Just bake or simmer them first to heat through before assembling.

What cheeses work well besides mozzarella and Parmesan?

Feel free to swap in provolone, fontina, or even a little asiago for variety. The key is to use cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with Italian seasonings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that will warm hearts and earn smiles, Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a winning choice. It’s cheesy, saucy, and completely satisfying. Give it a try—once you see those golden bubbles and dive into your first forkful, you’ll understand why it’s a forever favorite!