Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs Casserole Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by many. It's a perfect meal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. But have you ever tried it in the form of a casserole? Baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole is a delicious twist on the classic dish that you don't want to miss. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to make this mouth-watering casserole step by step.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's start cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well combined with sauce and meatballs.
- Transfer the spaghetti and meatballs mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti and meatballs mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
And there you have it! Your delicious baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole is ready to be served. This recipe serves around 8-10 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole even more delicious:
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- If you don't have parmesan cheese, you can use any other hard cheese like pecorino romano or asiago.
- If you're short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
- If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this recipe in no time. So next time you're in the mood for spaghetti and meatballs, try making it in the form of a casserole. You won't regret it!
