Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines al dente spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce and juicy meatballs. Everything's layered in a casserole dish and topped with ooey-gooey melted cheese. It doesn't get more delicious or convenient than this incredible baked spaghetti and meatballs!

The Best Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you love spaghetti and meatballs, just wait until you try this recipe. It's got all the same delicious flavors, but instead of being made on the stovetop, everything's layered in a casserole dish and baked to perfection.

This baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines tender spaghetti noodles with a flavorful marinara sauce and perfectly cooked meatballs. Everything is baked under a layer of melted mozzarella cheese for a comfort food meal that's just irresistible.

It's so good and is one of the most convenient baked spaghetti recipes you'll find. Everything comes together in minutes, and before you know it, you'll have the perfect weeknight dinner that'll impress everyone at the table!

As good as this baked spaghetti and meatball recipe is by itself, it's taken up a notch when you serve it alongside these Olive Garden breadsticks and this house salad for the perfect Italian restaurant feast at home!

Why This Recipe Works

It's easy to make. All you have to do is cook the spaghetti noodles, then toss everything in your casserole dish and let it bake in the oven. Yes, you read that right. It's effortless!

Restaurant-quality. This baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole recipe is just as good and might be even better than a meal at your favorite Italian restaurant. Just like my cheesy baked tortellini casserole.

Comfort food at its finest. Everything about this baked spaghetti with meatballs screams comfort food. It's so warm, hearty, and flavorful, and I just know everyone you make it for will love it!

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this simple baked spaghetti recipe is really basic.

Check out everything you'll need to bake spaghetti and meatballs:

• 8oz. spaghetti
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 16oz. frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

You can use most of these ingredients to make this spaghetti casserole. It's another easy baked spaghetti recipe I think you'll love! 

How To Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

1. Prep work: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Cook the spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water and cook pasta according to package directions. When the spaghetti noodles are finished cooking, drain them and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the pasta bake: Add the marinara sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and meatballs to the pot of cooked spaghetti. Toss to combine everything together, then transfer the pasta and meatballs to the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake and serve: Cover the casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. After the time is up, uncover the pasta and add the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for another few minutes or until the cheese is melted, then serve warm and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Cook the pasta to al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. 
• Swap the marinara sauce for any pasta sauce or any other type of spaghetti sauce you want.
• Mix the sauce of your choice with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder for more flavor.
• Make homemade meatballs for a more authentic flavor. You can make these oven baked meatballs and then freeze them until you're ready to make this casserole. For frozen meatballs, remember to let them thaw overnight or add more time in the oven.
• Substitute meatballs for ground beef, turkey meatballs, or Italian sausage to switch up the flavor.
• Experiment with adding veggies, like spinach, broccoli, peppers, black olives, or mushrooms, to make a healthier pasta bake.
• Top the finished pasta bake with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil for more flavor.

How To Store Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

In the fridge: Store the leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for about 4 days.

In the freezer: Allow the leftover spaghetti and meatballs to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze it for about 3 months. 

Reheating: Put the baked spaghetti and meatballs back in a casserole dish. Heat it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and it's warmed through. Let the frozen pasta thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQS About This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400?

The best temperature to bake meatballs will depend on how big they are and what else they are being cooked with. In general, baking meatballs at 350°F should make for juicy, nicely crisp meatballs.

Is it better to cook meatballs in the oven?

Yes, baking meatballs is a great way to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs that are tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.

Why fry meatballs before baking?

You can fry meatballs before baking to get that perfect browned outside with a crispy texture. You can either fry raw meatballs or thawed frozen meatballs before baking them with the rest of the ingredients. 

Can I cook the spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, cooking the spaghetti the day before is a great way to save time and make this casserole even more convenient to make!

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