This recipe for baked spaghetti and meatballs is a one-pot dish packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights when you need to save time on cleanup. The meatballs bake on top of the pasta, adding flavor and richness to the dish. Stretchy, oozy cheese melts over the top, adding even more flavor. Serve it with garlic bread and a salad for an easy dinner.
For the Cheesy Baked Spaghetti – 16 ounces dry spaghetti – 2 tablespoons olive oil – 1 (24 ounce) jar of marinara sauce – 3 cups chicken broth – ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – 2 teaspoons garlic powder – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – ¾ teaspoon salt – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. – 1-½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese – 2 to 3 sprigs fresh basil, chopped
1. Combine the ground beef with the seasonings and breadcrumbs then form small meatballs. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. You can use precooked frozen meatballs, but if you make homemade meatballs, they will add more flavor to the meal.
1. Spread the dry pasta into the baking dish and drizzle olive oil over the top. Pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the noodles.
1. Add the Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. 2. Use tongs to lift the pasta and toss the mixture until well combined. Make sure the sauce completely coats the pasta and gets to the bottom of the dish.
Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake. Halfway through the baking time, remove the aluminum foil and wiggle the tongs between the meatballs and scrape the bottom and sides of the dish.
After removing your casserole of cheesy baked spaghetti, uncover it and let it rest for about 15 minutes to set up more. Serve with your favorite Italian pasta dinner sides.
Cheesy baked spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty, no boil pasta bake of spaghetti topped with meatballs and gooey cheese that all cooks up in the oven. It’s a one-pot meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.