Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs In Cast Iron Skillet
Are you looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare? Look no further than baked spaghetti and meatballs in a cast iron skillet. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and hearty meal. Read on to learn how to make this mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 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
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the spaghetti to the skillet and stir to coat with the tomato sauce. Add enough water to the skillet to cover the spaghetti by about 1 inch.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
8. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Variations
This recipe is very versatile and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
- Replace the spaghetti with another type of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, Gruyere, or fontina.
- Add spices such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for more depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti and meatballs in a cast iron skillet is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can prepare a meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the variations, you are sure to enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish. Give it a try today!
