Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? Make it so much more irresistible by smothering it with cheese and baking it. We’ve included the most delicious and simple sauce and baking the meatballs instead of frying cuts down on time and mess. Try pairing this recipe with Puglia Primitivo Luccarelli or Chianti Classico Ricasoli Brolio 2018Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 × 23 oz (660 ml) jars strained tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
1 medium yellow onion, halved
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
1 egg
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
3 cloves garlic, grated
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
12 oz (340 g) mozzarella, grated, divided
1 handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring strained tomatoes, butter, onions, 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and a pinch of pepper to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, garlic and parsley. Mix well. If desired, cook a small amount of meatball mixture in a frying pan to taste seasoning, adjust if necessary.
- Using a medium-sized spoon, scoop and roll meat mixture into about 3 tbsp (45 ml) sized balls (makes about 25 meatballs). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer them to tomato sauce and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked all the way through and no longer pink inside.
- While meatballs are cooking, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Toss spaghetti with three-quarters of sauce (no meatballs) and half of the mozzarella. Place in a 10-in (25 cm) cast iron skillet or baking dish. Top with remaining sauce, all meatballs and remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil.