Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Traditional spaghetti and meatballs is turned into the most amazing baked cheesy casserole ever! A family favorite for sure!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

FOR THE MEATBALLS

• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces ground pork
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup Panko
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×9 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, egg, Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 18-20 meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well and stir in marinara sauce.
5. Add pasta to the prepared baking dish and top with meatballs; sprinkle with mozzarella. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.