Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

A classic Italian-inspired dish with tender, flavorful baked meatballs and a rich homemade marinara sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Baked Meatballs:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 3/4 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped

• Black pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (56 oz total)

• 2 bay leaves (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced

Other Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti

Instructions

1. Prepare and Bake the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

3. Use an ice cream scoop or hands to shape into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Ensure uniform size for even cooking.

4. Arrange meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

2. Make the Marinara Sauce:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a light boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

4. Partially cover with a lid or splatter screen and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add baked meatballs to the sauce, stir in chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Spaghetti and Assemble:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

2. Pour the sauce and meatballs over the pasta and gently mix.

3. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then serve hot.

Cooking Times Summary:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Meatball Baking Time: 25 minutes

• Marinara Simmering Time: 30 minutes (including 5 minutes with meatballs)

• Pasta Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 650

• Protein: 45g

• Carbohydrates: 65g

• Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 125mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 9g

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs! Buon Appetito! 🎉🍝