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**Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs: A Hearty and Comforting Family Favorite**
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than **Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs**! This twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs takes the dish to the next level by baking it all together in a cheesy, saucy casserole. The result? A warm, flavorful meal with gooey cheese, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta, all packed into one dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs is the perfect dish for busy nights, how to make it, and some helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
### **Why You’ll Love Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs**
1. **Simple and Satisfying**:
Spaghetti and meatballs is already a family favorite, and baking everything together with cheese and sauce makes it even better! The flavors meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that is hearty, flavorful, and filling.
2. **One-Pan Wonder**:
Not only does this recipe come together in a single pan, but it also makes cleanup a breeze. Once everything is assembled in a baking dish, you can pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks. No need for multiple pots and pans.
3. **Make Ahead and Freezable**:
Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for a future meal. It’s the perfect option for meal prepping or preparing dinner for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking.
4. **Cheesy Goodness**:
The mozzarella cheese on top gives this dish that perfect golden, bubbly texture. Who can resist the combination of cheesy pasta, savory meatballs, and flavorful marinara sauce?
5. **Customizable**:
You can easily adjust this recipe to your preferences. Whether you want to use ground beef, turkey, or chicken for the meatballs, or swap in your favorite pasta, this dish is versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand.
### **How to Make Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs**
Ready to dive in? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making this **Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs** recipe:
#### **Ingredients**:
For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Baked Spaghetti:
– 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
– 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
