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Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Indulge in a classic Italian comfort dish with our Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe. Featuring homemade meatballs, San Marzano marinara sauce, a mix of cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a heartwarming meal for any occasion.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients

  • Meatballs: Approximately 18 prefabricated fully cooked meatballs.
  • Marinara Sauce: 24 ounces of San Marzano sauce recommended for its quality.
  • Yellow Onion: 1/2 finely diced for nuanced flavor.
  • Garlic Cloves: 3 crushed to release aroma.
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for an authentic taste.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Spaghetti Noodles: 3/4 pound to be cooked slightly under al dente.
  • Cheese: 1-2 cups grated a blend of colby-jack and mozzarella is suggested.
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup finely grated for topping.

Instructions

  • Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by sautéing the diced yellow onion in olive oil over a medium-low flame. Once the onions start to soften, add the crushed garlic and continue to sauté until the onions are tender.
  • Adding Meatballs: Introduce the fully cooked meatballs to the skillet, allowing them to warm through and absorb the flavors of the aromatics.
  • Simmering with Sauce: Add the San Marzano marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes, permitting the flavors to meld together.
  • Cooking Spaghetti: Concurrently, prepare the spaghetti noodles as per the manufacturer’s instructions in a separate pot, ensuring that they are slightly undercooked by about two minutes.
  • Combining Ingredients: Using a large slotted spoon, carefully remove the meatballs from the sauce and set them aside. Transfer the partially cooked spaghetti into the skillet, incorporating about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Gently mix to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Assembling the Dish: Return the meatballs to the skillet, placing them atop the spaghetti. Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese and parmesan over the dish.
  • Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20-30 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the cheese has melted to a golden brown. Serve hot.