Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs – There’s truly nothing, like the comforting flavors of a Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs dish. It’s a family favorite packed with tender meatballs rich marinara sauce and baked spaghetti. What makes it more special is the use of ingredients like San Marzano sauce Colby jack cheese and aromatic Italian seasoning that come together to create a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy any palate.
I still remember the first time I prepared this Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe. It was on a chilly evening when we were craving something warm. As I watched the cheese bubble and turn golden in the oven it filled our kitchen with an aroma that drew my husband, who’s not usually a big pasta fan straight to the kitchen. Let’s not forget my little one who called it the best “spaghetti cake” ever! Needless to say, it was a hit. Has since become a must-have, for our family dinners.
What makes these Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs truly special?
What sets this Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe apart is its touch using quality ingredients that bring out its cheesy delight. The inclusion of meatballs adds a heartwarming and genuine flavor that simply can’t be replicated by store-bought alternatives. By adding the San Marzano Sauce this dish gets a boost from a sweet tomato foundation that takes it to another level compared to regular spaghetti recipes. The mix of Colby jack and mozzarella cheeses not only guarantees a melted topping but also brings out a comforting and indulgent taste. This combination of charm, exceptional sauce, and the perfect blend of cheeses makes this recipe truly exceptional in any cook’s collection.
What You Need To Make This Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe?
Homemade Meatballs: The heart of this dish lies in these spheres. I always prefer making my meatballs because they are not a meal; they hold memories and traditions. They are. Rolled by hand seasoned with love and cherished family secrets. They bring a touch that transforms this dish into a story, on a plate.
San Marzano Sauce: When it comes to marinara San Marzano Sauce is like the wine of tomato sauce. Its luxurious texture and sweet flavor profile can elevate the dish to something extraordinary. It’s like painting your canvas with the vibrant colors available.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These ingredients are the heroes in our kitchen laying the foundation of flavor for our dishes. The onion with its earthy notes along with garlic’s aromatic charm creates a symphony of flavors that harmonize beautifully with other ingredients.
Italian Seasoning: This blend is like dust for our dish bringing the essence of Italy into our kitchens. Each pinch adds complexity and depth reminding us of the traditions, of the Mediterranean region.
Olive Oil: This precious liquid not only cooks our ingredients. Also imparts a subtle fruity essence, to the dish. It’s like an embrace for all the flavors enveloping them in its warm and inviting presence.
Spaghetti Noodles: They form the foundation of our dish serving as more than vessels for the sauce and meatballs. They are a part of the experience gracefully twirling around our forks perfectly cooked to al dente perfection. Each bite offers a combination of texture and taste.
Cheeses (Colby Jack & Mozzarella): Just imagine the joy these cheeses bring with their stretchiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Colby Jack adds a tangy depth to the dish while mozzarella contributes that stringiness that warms the heart. Let’s not forget about Parmesan—it is, like a touch of brilliance providing a salty and nutty crown that brings everything together in harmony.
Steps To Make Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs:
Step 1: Start by sautéing the chopped onions, in olive oil using a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. As they begin to soften add the garlic allowing their fragrances to blend together.
Step 2: Introduce your cooked meatballs into the mixture.
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Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the seasoning stirring gently. Let it simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes giving the flavors a chance to combine.
Step 4: Meanwhile, in another pot cook your spaghetti noodles according to the instructions on the package but stop cooking them two minutes than recommended – they will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 5: Using a spoon carefully remove the meatballs. Set them aside. Do the same with the spaghetti noodles adding them to the marinara sauce along with about half a cup of pasta water. Toss gently to ensure that every strand of spaghetti is coated.
Step 6: Now place the meatballs back on top of the spaghetti.
Step 7: Sprinkle a combination of Colby jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over everything.
Step 8: Bake, in an oven preheated to 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until you achieve an irresistibly cheesy top that’s bubbling with goodness.
Tip:
For a layer of flavor and a delightful texture contrast you might want to consider toasting the spaghetti noodles before cooking them. This known technique involves sautéing the spaghetti lightly in a bit of olive oil until it turns a beautiful golden brown color. This process adds a nutty taste and brings out a more interesting texture, in the noodles making them more than just a vessel for the sauce and meatballs but rather a standout element on their own. It’s a step that can take your dish from homemade, to restaurant quality providing a twist that will surely captivate and please your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you certainly can. However, if you make homemade meatballs they will provide an authentic and flavorful experience.
Is it necessary to use San Marzano sauce?
Although it is highly recommended for its taste you can substitute it with any high-quality marinara sauce.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish. Refrigerate it. Just remember to add a few minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
Ingredients
- About 1 1/2 dozens homemade meatballs fully cooked
- One 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce San Marzano Sauce recommended
- Half a yellow onion diced
- Three cloves of garlic crushed
- One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Three-quarters pound of spaghetti noodles
- One to two cups of grated cheese mix of colby-jack and mozzarella
- Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by sautéing the onions in oil over low heat in a large skillet until they become tender. Next add the garlic. Continue to sauté for a little
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, place the meatballs in the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle some seasoning on top. Allow this mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- In a pot follow the instructions on the spaghetti package to boil them. However remember to stop cooking them 2 minutes before they reach their recommended cooking time.
- Using a spoon remove the meatballs from the sauce and set them aside. Then transfer the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Add about half a cup of pasta water. Gently stir everything together.
- To assemble your dish place the meatballs back on top of the spaghetti and sauce. Finally cover everything, with cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your dish for 20 to 30 minutes until it becomes hot while ensuring that the cheese melts nicely and becomes bubbly.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
