Print

Easy Cheesy Sheet Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs

easy cheesy sheet pan spaghetti and meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy sheet pan recipe combining cheesy baked spaghetti and juicy meatballs, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place evenly spaced on a large rimmed sheet pan (18×13 inches).
  4. Break the spaghetti in half and scatter around the meatballs on the pan in mostly one layer.
  5. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta, then add water or chicken broth evenly over the pan. Drizzle olive oil on top.
  6. Cover the sheet pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan over the top.
  9. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the pan rest for 5 minutes outside the oven to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Do not overmix meatball ingredients to keep them tender.’, ‘Breaking spaghetti in half helps it fit and cook evenly.’, ‘Covering the pan with foil traps steam and prevents dry pasta edges.’, ‘Resting the dish after baking thickens the sauce and melds flavors.’, ‘Check meatball doneness with a thermometer (160°F internal temperature).’, ‘For extra crispy meatballs, bake on a wire rack first before adding to the pan.’, ‘Add a splash more water or broth if sauce seems too thick before baking.’, ‘Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.’, ‘Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based meat for vegan adaptation.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan dinner, spaghetti and meatballs, easy family dinner, baked spaghetti, cheesy pasta, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-cheesy-sheet-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-for-perfect-family-dinners/