Description
A cozy and heartwarming dish featuring layers of pasta, rich sauce, and tender meatballs topped with melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 20–25 small cooked meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked or thawed meatballs to the sauce, letting everything simmer for a few minutes.
- Layer half of the spaghetti in the baking dish, followed by half of the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, top with chopped parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Notes
For a diabetes-friendly option, consider using sugar-free alternatives for sauces and avoid sweeteners like honey and maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 40mg