Spaghetti and meatballs are the ultimate family comfort food. Baked spaghetti and meatballs pack all of the classic flavors you love, with a generous amount of grated parmesan on top Begin with the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and water; whisk well. Add the meat, breadcrumbs, and meatball.

Mix with your hands until just combined. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a metal spatula or tongs to turn the meatballs. Put the meatballs back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through.

In the meantime, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, leaving the fat behind. Cover loosely with a lid or foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the flavors marry and the meatballs are cooked through. Keep warm until ready to toss with pasta.

While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, then toss with the sauce and meatballs. Transfer the spaghetti and meatballs to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. To serve, top with fresh chopped basil and more grated cheese.

Ingredients;

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 (16-ounce) package frozen pre-cooked meatballs
  • 1 (26-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 pound spaghetti pasta
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions;

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 13-inch-by-9-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti pasta until almost al dente; drain and rinse with hot water and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
  4. Add the frozen meatballs; cook and stir for 3 minutes longer.
  5. Add the spaghetti sauce and stir.
  6. Pour the water into the spaghetti sauce jar; close jar, and shake vigorously. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Simmer 4 minutes.
  7. Stir in the spaghetti pasta.
  8. Pour into the prepared casserole dish and top with the Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly.