A fun and delicious twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs, this stacked casserole combines layers of spaghetti, rich marinara, and tender meatballs, topped with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make the meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter (you should get around 18-20 meatballs).
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. - Cook the spaghetti:
While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Layer the casserole:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of cooked spaghetti on top, followed by a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce.
Place a layer of baked meatballs over the sauce. Repeat the layers with spaghetti, sauce, and meatballs until everything is stacked. Finish by topping with the shredded mozzarella cheese. - Bake the stack:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Calories: ~450 per serving
This Italian meatball spaghetti stack is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of spaghetti and meatballs in a fun and easy-to-serve casserole form. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite!