Indulging in a plate of Baked Meatball & Spaghetti is like giving your taste buds a warm hug. This Italian-American favorite combines tender, golden-baked meatballs with perfectly al dente spaghetti and a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, date nights, or whenever comfort food is calling your name.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Crafting the Perfect Meatballs
- Mixing the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined (don’t overwork the mixture).
- Shaping – Roll into bite-sized balls, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
- Baking – Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
2. Preparing the Flavorful Sauce
- Sauté Aromatics – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Simmer – Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rich and flavorful.
3. Bringing It All Together
- Cook Spaghetti – Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
- Combine – Toss the spaghetti in the tomato sauce so each strand is coated. Add the baked meatballs on top.
- Serve – Plate the spaghetti, nestle the meatballs on top, and finish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!