Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

A meatball is ground meat rolled into a ball, sometimes along with other ingredients, such as bread crumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, and seasoning. Meatballs are cooked by frying, baking, steaming, or braising in sauce. There are many types of meatballs using different types of meats and spices.

Oven-Baked for Extra Flavor & Less Grease – Unlike pan-fried meatballs, these are baked to perfection, locking in flavor while reducing excess grease, making them a healthier yet delicious option.

Rich, Homemade Marinara Sauce – Simmered with fresh basil and garlic, this sauce enhances the dish with deep, authentic Italian flavors, elevating every bite! 🍝🔥

FAQs

💡 SEO-Friendly FAQs: Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

Can I bake meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes! This recipe uses oven-baked meatballs, which are healthier and less messy than frying while still delivering amazing flavor and texture.
What temperature should meatballs be baked at?
Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
How do I keep baked meatballs from drying out?
To keep meatballs juicy, don’t overmix the meat, and include ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for moisture.
What’s the best type of beef for meatballs?
Lean ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat) is ideal for meatballs—it’s flavorful without being greasy.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw or cooked.
Is this spaghetti and meatballs recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade marinara adds more depth and freshness. If using jarred, enhance it with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.
How long should I simmer marinara sauce?
Simmer for at least 25 minutes to deepen the flavor. Letting it cook low and slow helps blend all the ingredients beautifully.
What pasta goes best with baked meatballs?
Classic spaghetti is the go-to, but you can also use linguine, bucatini, or even penne for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular breadcrumbs and pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
What’s a good side dish for spaghetti and meatballs?
Serve with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this spaghetti and meatballs recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild marinara and tender meatballs make this dish a hit with picky eaters.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24–30 meatballs, depending on the size you shape them.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning and moisture to avoid dryness.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Make it

🍝 Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

A classic Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy oven-baked meatballs in a rich homemade marinara sauce, served over perfectly al dente spaghetti. A family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying.

🧑‍🍳 Servings: 6

⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

📝 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

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Shape into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs using an ice cream scoop or your hands for uniformity.
Arrange meatballs on the prepared sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

2. Make the Marinara Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a light boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Cover partially and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, stir in the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

3. Cook the Spaghetti and Assemble

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Pour the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti and gently mix.
Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. 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)

Calories: 650
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 900mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9g

✨ Enjoy your delicious homemade Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs—a timeless comfort food that brings everyone to the table!

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Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

A meatball is ground meat rolled into a ball, sometimes along with other ingredients, such as bread crumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, and seasoning. Meatballs are cooked by frying, baking, steaming, or braising in sauce. There are many types of meatballs using different types of meats and spices.

Oven-Baked for Extra Flavor & Less Grease – Unlike pan-fried meatballs, these are baked to perfection, locking in flavor while reducing excess grease, making them a healthier yet delicious option.

Rich, Homemade Marinara Sauce – Simmered with fresh basil and garlic, this sauce enhances the dish with deep, authentic Italian flavors, elevating every bite! 🍝🔥

FAQs

💡 SEO-Friendly FAQs: Spaghetti and Baked Meatballs

Can I bake meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes! This recipe uses oven-baked meatballs, which are healthier and less messy than frying while still delivering amazing flavor and texture.

What temperature should meatballs be baked at?
Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.

How do I keep baked meatballs from drying out?
To keep meatballs juicy, don’t overmix the meat, and include ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for moisture.

What’s the best type of beef for meatballs?
Lean ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat) is ideal for meatballs—it’s flavorful without being greasy.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw or cooked.

Is this spaghetti and meatballs recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade marinara adds more depth and freshness. If using jarred, enhance it with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.

How long should I simmer marinara sauce?
Simmer for at least 25 minutes to deepen the flavor. Letting it cook low and slow helps blend all the ingredients beautifully.

What pasta goes best with baked meatballs?
Classic spaghetti is the go-to, but you can also use linguine, bucatini, or even penne for a different twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular breadcrumbs and pasta with gluten-free alternatives.

What’s a good side dish for spaghetti and meatballs?
Serve with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this spaghetti and meatballs recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild marinara and tender meatballs make this dish a hit with picky eaters.

How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24–30 meatballs, depending on the size you shape them.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning and moisture to avoid dryness.