Baked meatball & spaghetti

Here’s a classic Baked Meatball & Spaghetti recipe:

Baked Meatball & Spaghetti

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking them in batches if necessary. This should take about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish in the oven.
   • Place the browned meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and marinara sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
   • Place the baked meatballs on top of the spaghetti, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious baked meatball and spaghetti!