Spaghetti And Meatballs Baked In Oven
Spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven is a classic comfort food that is loved by many people across the United States. It is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a family dinner or a dinner party with friends. In this article, we will discuss how to make spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need to make spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add the meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are all coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, garnished with some fresh parsley if desired.
Variations
There are many variations of spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a healthier option.
- Add some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, instead of mozzarella.
- Experiment with different types of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, instead of spaghetti.
- Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make this classic dish in no time. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party with friends, spaghetti and meatballs baked in the oven is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
