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!

Bowl of cheesy baked spaghetti and meatballs next to casserole dish with more pasta inside.

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.

Ingredients including spaghetti noodles, eggs, cottage cheese, marinara sauce, meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings ready to be made into baked spaghetti and meatballs.

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.

Bowl of spaghetti noodles coated in egg and cheese mixture.

Egg and cheese coated spaghetti in a casserole dish with meatballs scattered over the top.

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.

Marinara sauce distributed over the meatballs on top of cheesy spaghetti mixture in casserole dish.

Baked spaghetti and meatballs topped with melty cheese, ready to serve.

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.

Bowl of baked spaghetti and meatballs next to casserole dish with more inside.

Bowl of cheesy spaghetti and meatball bake with fork, ready to eat.

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.

Casserole dish filled with baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole with one serving missing showing the cheesy pasta, sauce, and meatballs inside.

4.89 from 26 ratings

Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

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!

Prep: 15

Cook: 45

Total: 1

Equipment

Ingredients

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

Feel free to use a tub of ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese if that is your preference, it is good either way.

You can use homemade meatballs in this recipe. Cook them according to your recipe’s directions before putting them on the casserole. Frozen meatballs also work great. They help to make this a quick and easy meal.