Name: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 12 oz spaghetti (whole wheat or classic); Olive oil, drizzle to prevent sticking; Salt, for boiling water; 3 cups tomato sauce (natural); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese (such as mozzarella-style); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes

If you are craving a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish, this easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining perfectly seasoned meatballs with tender spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce (natural), all topped with melted plant-based cheese, this dish brings comfort and flavor to your table with every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
Rich Flavor: The tomato sauce (natural) is slow-simmered to deepen the taste, complementing the savory meatballs.
Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and filling, this is the ultimate cozy meal.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single pan, making cleanup easy.
Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite vegetables or spice levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe plays a crucial role, from texture and flavor to color and aroma. Keeping things simple helps bring out the natural taste of each component, creating a harmonious and inviting dish.

Spaghetti: Choose your favorite kind, whole wheat or classic, ensuring it holds up well in the oven.
Ground meat: Freshly ground beef or lamb provides the perfect base for flavorful meatballs.
Bread crumbs: Adds tenderness and helps bind the meatballs perfectly.
Egg: Holds the meatballs together and keeps them moist.
Garlic and onion: The aromatic foundation for deep, savory flavor.
Tomato sauce (natural): Rich and slightly sweet sauce that keeps the entire dish moist and delicious.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, enhances the taste and color.
Plant-based cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy richness.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that balances the flavors.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami complexity.

Variations for Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to experiment with flavors, accommodate dietary preferences, or simply use what’s on hand, these variations will inspire you to get creative.

Vegetable boost: Add finely chopped zucchini or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and moisture.
Spice it up: Mix in red chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to the meatballs for a gentle kick.
Herb switch: Try basil, oregano, or rosemary instead of parsley for a fresh twist.
Plant-based option: Use plant-based ground meat and plant-based cheese for a completely vegan version.
Cheese layer: Layer extra plant-based ricotta on top for a creamy surprise inside the casserole.

Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined for tender meatballs. Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden but not fully cooked. This step locks in flavor and texture, making the meatballs juicy after baking.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, keeping it ready for layering with the sauce and meatballs.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a pot, simmer your tomato sauce (natural) with minced garlic, onion, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Add half the cooked spaghetti, then half the sauce, followed by the meatballs scattered evenly, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a thick layer of shredded plant-based cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Do not overmix: Combining meatball ingredients just until combined keeps them tender.
Brown meatballs gently: Avoid pressing or moving them too much while browning.
Save some sauce: Keep extra tomato sauce (natural) for serving alongside for added moisture.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set perfectly.
Use fresh herbs: They brighten the dish and add fragrance beyond dried options.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

Finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant visual and aromatic lift. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add warmth if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil, or some garlic roasted vegetables for a balanced and delightful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, bake the meatballs inside mini ramekins layered with spaghetti and sauce for individual servings. Alternatively, pile high on a rustic wooden board to share from the center of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the plant-based cheese moist.

Freezing

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs freezes beautifully when wrapped tightly or sealed in freezer-safe containers. Freeze in portions for easy thawing good for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture without drying the pasta or meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat spaghetti for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti works wonderfully and adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.

What is the best plant-based cheese to use?

Choose a plant-based cheese that melts well, such as shredded mozzarella-style or cheddar-style; these mimic traditional melting beautifully.

Can the meatballs be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator, ready to bake the next day.

Is there a dairy-free sauce option?

The tomato sauce (natural) in this recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it perfect if you’re avoiding dairy or prefer lighter flavors.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot paprika to increase the heat according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a true keeper for anyone who loves comfort food without complicated steps. It brings warmth, flavor, and joy to any meal and is easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for company. Give it a try you’re going to love how simple and delicious homemade can be.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Author: Michael
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines perfectly seasoned meatballs with tender spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce (natural), topped with melted plant-based cheese. It is a warm, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. The recipe uses simple pantry staples and offers customizable variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into evenly sized balls and set aside.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden but not fully cooked to lock in flavor and ensure they stay juicy after baking.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, preparing it for layering with sauce and meatballs.
Prepare the Sauce: In a pot, simmer tomato sauce (natural) with minced garlic, onion, a splash of apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and let the flavors blend well.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half the cooked spaghetti, half the sauce, then scatter the browned meatballs evenly over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a thick layer of shredded plant-based cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to ensure tenderness.
Brown meatballs gently and avoid pressing or moving them frequently.
Reserve some tomato sauce (natural) for serving alongside to add extra moisture.
Let the baked dish rest before serving to set perfectly.
Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish and add enhanced aroma compared to dried herbs.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired