Real Simple Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than Real Simple's Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs recipe! With its savory meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and bubbling melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well with your hands.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the cheese.
- Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
This recipe serves 8 people and takes just over an hour to prepare and bake. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner.
Variations:
While this recipe is delicious as written, you can also make some variations to suit your tastes:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap out the mozzarella cheese for cheddar or Parmesan for a different taste.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
No matter how you make it, Real Simple's Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs is a crowd-pleaser that you'll come back to again and again. Give it a try tonight!