Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack

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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

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  1. Bake the Meatballs:
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
  1. Cook the Spaghetti:
  • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

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