Description
Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish combining tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich tomato sauce (natural) topped with melted plant-based cheese. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a warm, hearty, and flavorful experience with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat of choice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 4 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (mozzarella-style or preferred)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, fresh basil and parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. This seals in the juices and creates a delicious crust.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs are browning, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce (Natural): In a saucepan, gently simmer the tomato sauce with minced garlic, chopped onion, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs as desired, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti with the prepared tomato sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Nestle the browned meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce mixture, then sprinkle with shredded plant-based cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh basil and parsley for the best aroma and flavor.
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense meatballs.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Pan-frying meatballs before baking adds extra texture and flavor.
- Allow the baked dish to rest before serving to let flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, meatballs, plant-based cheese, tomato sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-dish meal, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, gluten-free
