Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

A classic comfort food, this baked spaghetti and meatballs dish is great for a cozy family dinner. The meatballs are soft and flavorful, and baking them with spaghetti and marinara sauce makes the pasta taste even better. Served with melted mozzarella cheese, it's a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375F 190C

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined

Shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat

Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes

Remove from skillet and set aside

In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer

In a baking dish, spread a layer of cooked spaghetti

Top with half of the marinara sauce

Arrange meatballs over the sauce, then pour remaining sauce over the meatballs

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving