Baked spaghetti and meatball casserole is a fun twist on that classic favorite dinner. It is easier to make than lasagna and more fun too!
On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese. I lost my poor meatball, when somebody sneezed…. Of course spaghetti and meatballs is one of those foods that makes you feel like a kid again.
There is something so fun about long noodles covered in sauce and cheese. Plus there is a satisfaction that comes with taking a bite out of a meatball.
This baked spaghetti and meatball casserole gives you everything you love about the classic combination only better. It is a little bit like the best parts of lasagna mixed with ‘sketti for the perfect combination.
Of course it takes a little bit longer to make, but you can assemble it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it off if you want. Just add a few minutes to the bake time to compensate for its colder starting temperature.
The time it spends in the oven is time well spent, I assure you. And it will give you plenty of time to make a simple salad and some garlic bread to round out the dinner.
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Substitutions and Variations
We have been enjoying this spaghetti and meatball bake for years. It originally appeared on the site in 2016 and we have remade it quite a few times since.
I usually use the frozen meatballs from the grocery store for convenience. However, you can certainly use homemade meatballs if you prefer.
It is great with either ricotta cheese or cottage cheese. Here in the Midwest they are used interchangeably in dishes like this and lasagna. We have tried both and both are tasty in this spaghetti bake.
More Recipes to Try
If you are a fan of spaghetti and meatballs, you may want to try creamy spaghetti and meatballs in the instant pot too. It is a quick and easy way to whip up dinner!
Or try spaghetti and meatball sliders for an extra fun meal. They are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
For more dinner inspiration, check out my collection of pasta recipes. There are so many tasty ways to turn a box of pasta into a fabulous meal.
Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 24 ounces cottage cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook your spaghetti to al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Once your spaghetti is cool enough to handle, stir together the cottage cheese, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Toss the noodles in this mixture and press into a well greased 9×13 pan.24 ounces cottage cheese, 4 large eggs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Place meatballs on top of spaghetti and distribute sauce over the casserole.24 ounces jarred marinara sauce, 1 pound meatballs
- Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove cover and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven uncovered to bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned to your liking.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then cut and serve.
Notes
Video
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This is awesome! I am so happy to find recipes that my little grand daughter will eat, she is so picky. Thank you for sharing.
She's going to love it! Thank you!
This sounds so good Carlee! Who wouldn't love this casserole?!
I haven't met anyone yet! Thanks, Kitty!
This looks delicious and would certainly be a big hit at my house. Incidentally… I'm starving right now. Can I have a plate of this delicious casserole? 🙂
Of course, come on over! Thank you <3
You just can't beat spaghetti and meatballs. This looks perfect, Carlee!
This is a fun way to switch up the favorite! Thank you!
Such a great idea and may get added to the list for meals next week! Have a wonderful Wednesday xo
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!
So I'm wondering if the carpet is still surviving. The spaghetti and meatball casserole is fabulous. What a great idea!
It is still hanging in there, surprisingly enough! Thanks!
What do you think about adding mushrooms, cut-up spicy sausage links, and zucchini with the meatballs on top? That's how I like my traditional spaghetti, so it might work in this baked variation?
That sounds delicious! I will have to make it that way next time!
Goodness, you have me going down memory lane with "on top of spaghetti"! Right back to my grandmothers house! And that has me remembering her best baked chicken dish. Have to see if I can remember how she did that.
This dish looks great! Meatballs are the best way to enjoy spaghetti!
Isn't it funny how a line of a song like that can bring you right back to childhood? Now I want to know what was in her chicken dish! Thanks!
Spaghetti and meatballs is one of my childhood favorites. I can understand why LD's absolutely loves it. It's a lot of fun to eat and play with. Especially when you know that Mom's a little apprehensive about the carpet! My mom used to make a baked spaghetti for us and we loved it. It was actually a baked spaghetti Pizza. It had spaghetti noodles and sauce and beef on the bottom and then it was topped off with pepperoni, pizza sauce and mozzarella. I make it for our family too and it is one of our favorites. It has such a different texture when it's baked, doesn't it? Especially when the cheese is nice and toasty on top. Yum.
Oh my goodness, how fun! I love the pizza idea. I may have to steal that one! There just is something about baked pasta that takes it to the next level, the melty cheese certainly doesn't hurt.
My mouth won't stop watering!! I've got to give this a try! 🙂
Thank you!! I hope you love it!