A delightful twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, this Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack features layers of spaghetti, flavorful meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- For the Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Stack:
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the spaghetti over the sauce, followed by half of the meatballs.
- Add another layer of marinara sauce, the remaining spaghetti, and the remaining meatballs. Top with the rest of the marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack!