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Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

This Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole is a cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish made with tender spaghetti, marinara sauce, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese. A perfect easy baked spaghetti recipe for family dinners and meal prep.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta Base
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup milk
  • Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef or chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Topping
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain.
  3. Mix cooked spaghetti with butter, cream cheese, and milk until creamy.
  4. In a bowl, combine meatball ingredients and shape into small meatballs.
  5. Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
  6. In a baking dish, spread half the creamy spaghetti mixture.
  7. Add a layer of marinara sauce.
  8. Place baked meatballs evenly over sauce.
  9. Add remaining spaghetti and more sauce on top.
  10. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  12. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook pasta for best baked texture.
  • Cream cheese creates a rich baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole style base.
  • Use homemade meatballs for best flavor or store-bought for convenience.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Works great as a baked spaghetti and meatballs family dinner.