Description
Indulge yourself in the comforting warmth of this recipe, for Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs where the cherished Italian culinary heritage blends harmoniously with creativity. Each bite is a fusion of flavors. From the succulent handcrafted meatballs that carry the essence of family recipes passed down through generations to the sweet embrace of San Marzano marinara sauce. This dish presents layers of cooked spaghetti delicately woven together with a medley of melted colby jack and mozzarella cheeses creating a haven, for cheese enthusiasts. Baked to perfection this recipe is not a mere meal; it symbolizes love, tradition and the pure pleasures derived from wholesome home-cooked food.
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
Converting this comfort food into a gluten-free version is not just simple but also a delightful way to accommodate different dietary preferences. To prepare this Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs without gluten the key substitution lies in the noodles. Choose your variety of gluten-free spaghetti. Nowadays there are options crafted from rice, quinoa or even lentil flour each imparting their twist to the dish. For the meatballs ensure that your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free or try experimenting with alternatives, like almond flour for a flavorful touch. This straightforward adjustment maintains the heartwarming essence of the dish while ensuring that everyone, at the table can enjoy it without any restrictions.
