Spaghetti And Meatballs In The Oven
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many all around the world. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a dinner party with friends. While the traditional way of making this dish involves cooking the meatballs on the stovetop and simmering them in a tomato sauce, there's a new way that's gaining popularity: cooking them in the oven. In this article, we'll show you how to make spaghetti and meatballs in the oven, and why this method is worth trying.
What You'll Need
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make this dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking.
How To Make Spaghetti And Meatballs In The Oven
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to get cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- In a large oven-safe casserole dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked spaghetti on top of the tomato sauce, and then add another layer of tomato sauce on top of the spaghetti.
- Place the meatballs on top of the tomato sauce, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.
And that's it! In just a few easy steps, you can have a delicious and comforting meal of spaghetti and meatballs in the oven.
Why Make Spaghetti And Meatballs In The Oven?
You might be wondering why you should bother making spaghetti and meatballs in the oven instead of the traditional way on the stovetop. Here are a few reasons:
- Less mess: Cooking the meatballs in the oven means you don't have to worry about oil splatters on the stovetop.
- More even cooking: Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
- Better texture: Oven-baked meatballs have a slightly crispy exterior and a moist and tender interior.
- Less monitoring: Once the meatballs are in the oven, you can focus on cooking the spaghetti and preparing the tomato sauce without having to constantly check on the meatballs.
Overall, making spaghetti and meatballs in the oven is a great option if you're looking for a hands-off approach to cooking this classic Italian dish.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious and comforting meal that is loved by many. By cooking the meatballs in the oven, you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of this classic dish without the mess and fuss of cooking on the stovetop. So why not give it a try?
