Cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Beef Meatballs – Easy Family Comfort Dinner
If you’re looking for a simple, comforting dinner that the whole family will love, this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Beef Meatballs recipe is the perfect choice. Tender spaghetti is mixed with rich marinara sauce, topped with juicy homemade beef meatballs and a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese, then baked until hot, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy.
This baked spaghetti dish is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping ahead of time. Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making it both easy to prepare and easy to clean up.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy homemade meal, this oven-baked spaghetti casserole delivers classic Italian-inspired flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Perfect Family Dinner
This hearty pasta dish is satisfying, filling, and loved by both kids and adults.
Simple Ingredients
Made with everyday pantry ingredients like spaghetti, marinara sauce, beef, and cheese.
Great for Busy Days
Prepare it earlier in the day and bake it when you’re ready to serve dinner.
Cheesy Comfort Food
The melted mozzarella topping makes this baked pasta extra delicious.
Helpful Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Slightly firm pasta holds its texture better after baking.
Brown the Meatballs First
This adds deeper flavor and helps them stay juicy.
Use a Good Marinara Sauce
A rich tomato sauce gives the dish its classic comforting flavor.
Add Extra Cheese if You Love It
A mix of mozzarella and parmesan makes the top extra golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
For the Baked Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Beef Meatballs
- 16 ounces ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine:
- ground beef
- beaten egg
- panko breadcrumbs
- parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- allspice
- nutmeg
- salt and pepper
Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in size, making around 18–20 meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until browned on all sides. They do not need to cook fully yet.
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Return the pasta to the pot and mix with marinara sauce until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Add the sauced spaghetti to the prepared baking dish.
Place the browned meatballs evenly over the pasta.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting baked pasta dish.
Recipe Details
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Spaghetti
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or rustic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
Freezing:
You can freeze baked spaghetti for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
