Name: Baked Spaghetti Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup chopped parsley 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces spaghetti 3 cups marinara sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan (for topping) 1 tablespoon olive oil

Baked Spaghetti Meatballs is a cozy, cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Combining two classic favorites—spaghetti and meatballs—into a baked casserole delivers hearty, melty satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving something warm and familiar, this recipe is your go-to.

The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, nestled into spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, then blanketed with gooey melted cheese. Baking it brings everything together into a crave-worthy, golden-topped dish that’s just as good reheated as it is straight from the oven.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditional spaghetti works best here, but you can also use angel hair, linguine, or even a gluten-free pasta if needed. The key is cooking it to just al dente, so it holds up during baking without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Baked Spaghetti Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil

How To Make the Baked Spaghetti Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through—just seared.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with 2 cups of marinara sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the sauced spaghetti, followed by the browned meatballs, then the remaining spaghetti. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara over the top.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Baked Spaghetti Meatballs

Serve it hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe a side of garlic bread or salad. It’s a satisfying standalone dish, perfect for cozy nights or potlucks.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw and bake until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire casserole ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just thaw them first and proceed with the browning step or bake them directly if fully cooked.

What’s the best cheese blend?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra creaminess.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s saucy, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors kids usually love.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure—diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the sauce layer.

Want More Pasta Casserole Ideas?

If you’re into cozy baked dinners like this, check out these comfort-packed favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different pasta or cheese combo? Add any veggies?

I love hearing your twists on these recipes. Share your photos, and tag me for a chance to be featured!

For more weeknight favorites, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Baked Spaghetti Meatballs

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Spaghetti Meatballs combines the comforting taste of saucy spaghetti and tender meatballs into one cheesy, oven-baked casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s hearty, flavorful, and family-approved.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.

3. Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with 2 cups of marinara sauce.

4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sauced spaghetti, add meatballs, and then top with the remaining spaghetti. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara over the top.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.