Ingredients for Savory Baked Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Meatballs:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spaghetti:
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions for Making Savory Baked Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making savory baked spaghetti with homemade meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Top the spaghetti with half of the meatball mixture. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti and meatballs.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, then dig in and enjoy the savory goodness of baked spaghetti with homemade meatballs!
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef, fresh herbs, and flavorful marinara sauce to enhance the taste of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Get Creative: Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the sauce.
Conclusion
Savory baked spaghetti with homemade meatballs is a timeless classic that never fails to delight. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this hearty dish is sure to hit the spot. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience!