Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Comforting Family Favorite!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them until they are golden on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Spaghetti:
While the meatballs are browning, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor. Stir occasionally to warm the sauce and let the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Dish:
In a large baking dish (9×13-inch), layer the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the pasta. Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce and pasta. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generously on top.

Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips