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Easy Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner

Easy Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

A comforting baked pasta dinner made with saucy spaghetti, frozen Italian-style meatballs, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight and hearty enough for a family gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces Spaghetti
  • 24 ounces Jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 16 ounces Frozen, fully cooked Italian-style meatballs
  • 8 ounces Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dish
  • As needed Cooking spray or olive oil
Optional Garnish
  • As desired Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
  2. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until it is just shy of al dente, usually 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain it well.
  3. Toss the hot drained spaghetti with the marinara sauce until the strands are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
  4. Arrange the frozen, fully cooked meatballs over the sauced spaghetti. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.
  5. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the meatballs are hot throughout.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Slightly undercook the spaghetti so it stays pleasantly firm after baking. For a saucier casserole, use 24–26 ounces of sauce. Refrigerated or homemade meatballs may be used, but reduce the heating time if they are already thawed.