Name: Spaghetti Meatball Bake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs, divided; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1-1/2 cups cooked spaghetti (3 ounces uncooked), coarsely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 pounds ground beef; SAUCE:; 2 jars (24 ounces each) meatless pasta sauce; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

A unique take on classic meatballs, this baked spaghetti and meatballs sees a portion of pasta baked right into the meatballs and a savory sauce and cheese baked over the top.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs, divided

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1-1/2 cups cooked spaghetti (3 ounces uncooked), coarsely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried basil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds ground beef

SAUCE:

2 jars (24 ounces each) meatless pasta sauce

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1 Prepare the meatballs

2 First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Then place one cup of the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, chopped spaghetti, garlic, seasonings, and the remaining bread crumbs. Then add the beef, mixing gently but thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 1-1/2 inch meatballs.

3 Bread and bake the meatballs

4 Roll the meatballs in the cup of breadcrumbs sat aside and place them in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are cooked.

5 Prepare the sauce, top the meatballs, then add cheese and bake

6 While the meatballs cook, combine the pasta sauce, onion, garlic and seasonings in a large saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and then sprinkle over the cheese. Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned.