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.
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 oz spaghetti noodles
- 24 ounces cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ salt
- ¼ black pepper
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook your spaghetti to al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.16 oz 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 eggs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ salt, ¼ black pepper
- Place meatballs on top of spaghetti and distribute sauce over the casserole.24 oz jar 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.
Sandy
Saturday 21st of October 2023
Made this tonight and it’s so easy and so wonderful!
Carlee
Saturday 21st of October 2023
I am so glad you liked it!
Jojo12
Sunday 17th of March 2019
Question! Do you cook freshly made meatballs before putting into casserole?!
Carlee
Monday 18th of March 2019
You certainly can! I just used frozen meatballs to make it quick and easy!
Amy
Monday 11th of March 2019
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.
Carlee
Thursday 14th of March 2019
She's going to love it! Thank you!
kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
This sounds so good Carlee! Who wouldn't love this casserole?!
Carlee
Thursday 14th of March 2019
I haven't met anyone yet! Thanks, Kitty!
Julia
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
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? :)
Carlee
Thursday 14th of March 2019
Of course, come on over! Thank you <3