Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort food dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in a heartwarming and satisfying meal.
This dish features tender spaghetti pasta enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce, accompanied by juicy meatballs, all baked to perfection with a blanket of gooey melted cheese on top. The combination of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable experience that delights the senses.
Once assembled, the dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. As it comes out of the oven,
the baked spaghetti and meatballs is a sight to behold—golden cheese, vibrant red sauce, and hearty meatballs create an appetizing presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Serving baked spaghetti and meatballs is often an event in itself. The dish is typically scooped onto plates or into bowls, where each portion showcases a generous helping of spaghetti,
several meatballs, and a luscious layer of sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, while a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad complements the meal perfectly.
The experience of enjoying baked spaghetti and meatballs is one of warmth and satisfaction. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors: the comforting, slightly sweet sauce,
the savory meatballs, the hearty pasta, and the creamy cheese come together in a delightful symphony. Whether served at a family gathering, a cozy weeknight dinner,
or a festive occasion, this dish evokes feelings of nostalgia and togetherness, making it a beloved staple in many households.
Moreover, baked spaghetti and meatballs is a dish that lends itself well to customization. Home cooks can experiment with different meats, spices, or even vegetarian alternatives,
ensuring that each version of this classic remains unique while still delivering the comfort and flavor that everyone loves. It’s a dish that invites creativity while being grounded in tradition, making it a timeless favorite for all ages.
INGREDIENTS :
- Freshly cooked spaghetti for serving
- 750 g lean ground beef
- 6 onion spring or 1 small onion, chop
- 400 g chopped peeled tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 30 cl of dry white wine
- 7.5 cl of milk
- 2 slices of crustless sandwich bread
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tbsp. to s. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. to s. grated parmesan
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- Salt or fine salt
- Pepper
For the decoration:
Basil leaf
DIRECTIONS :
Place the bread in a large bowl. Wet with milk and let soak.
Heat half the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for 5 min, until tender.
Mix the ground beef with the bread soaked in milk, the cooked onions and garlic, and the Parmesan. add-nutmeg, salt // pepper. Work the preparation with your hands until the ingredients are well mixed. Shape into 28 regular meatballs.
Heat the rest of the oil in a non-stick pan. Brown meatballs in several-batches. Organize them in shallow baking dish
Pour the wine into the same pan, along with the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, scraping off the meat juices. Add the bay leaves, salt and pepper, and boil 5 min. Pour this sauce over the meatballs, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in an oven preheated to 180 ° C.
Pour the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, decorate with a few basil leaves and serve.