BAKED SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

 

Ingredients :

12 ounces spaghetti

3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

FOR THE MEATBALLS

8 ounces ground beef

8 ounces ground pork

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup Panko

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Pinch of nutmeg

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation :

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×9 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, egg, Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs, forming about 18-20 meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well and stir in marinara sauce.

Add pasta to the prepared baking dish and top with meatballs; sprinkle with mozzarella. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Serve immediately, garnished wi

th parsley, if desired.