Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole combines gooey plant-based cheese, tender meatballs, and perfectly baked spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce with natural flavorings. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that is simple to prepare and customizable for various dietary preferences, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz regular or whole wheat spaghetti
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup plant-based egg substitute
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for browning
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz tomato sauce with natural flavorings
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese (such as mozzarella-style or cheddar-style)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, plant-based egg substitute, minced garlic, chopped parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden crust forms but they are not fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. Add tomato sauce with natural flavorings, basil, oregano, and natural gelling agent. Simmer gently to thicken.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, then add browned meatballs, pour half the sauce over, and sprinkle half the shredded plant-based cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and sauce bubbles around the edges.
Notes
- Make uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Undercook spaghetti slightly as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh parsley and basil for brighter flavors.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Choose high-quality tomato sauce with natural flavorings for best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, meatballs casserole, plant-based cheese, comfort food, family dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
