Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti

4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Cook the Spaghetti:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.

Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:

Add the marinara sauce to the cooked spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assemble the Dish:

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.

Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti layer.

Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce over the meatballs, covering them completely.

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Serve:

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve hot, and enjoy!