A Delicious Recipe For Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs With Prego Sauce

how to make spaghetti and meatballs with prego sauce baked

Are you tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs recipe? Why not switch things up and try baking them with Prego sauce? This new method will give your dish a unique and tasty twist that will have your family asking for seconds. In this article, we will explore how to make spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce baked, providing you with step-by-step instructions and tips to make this a memorable and delicious meal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!

Characteristics Values
Type of Dish Pasta
Main Ingredients Spaghetti, ground beef, Prego sauce
Other Ingredients Onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese
Cooking Method Baking
Difficulty Level Easy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Dietary Restrictions None
Cuisine Italian
Recommended Sides Garlic bread, salad
Optional Additions Fresh herbs, red pepper flakes
Recommended Beverage Red wine, iced tea, water
Storage Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
Reheating Method Microwave or stove

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Ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs with prego sauce baked

If you're craving a hearty and comforting Italian meal, spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce baked is the perfect dish for you. This classic combination of tender meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti is sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's gather the ingredients and get started!

Here's what you'll need for the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. It'll still be just as tasty!
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy texture.
  • 1 large egg: This will help bind the meatball mixture together.
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful flavor to the meatballs.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped: The onion will add a subtle sweetness to the meatballs.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This will enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will bring an authentic Italian taste.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the meatballs with salt and pepper according to your preference.

For the spaghetti and sauce:

  • 8 ounces spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's perfectly al dente.
  • 1 jar Prego sauce (24 ounces): Prego sauce is rich and flavorful, making it the perfect choice for this dish.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey mozzarella cheese will bring everything together and create a deliciously cheesy topping.

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to making the meatballs:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything together until well combined.
  • Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

As the meatballs are baking, let's prepare the spaghetti and sauce:

  • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the Prego sauce over medium-low heat until warmed through.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully place them into the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will further infuse the meatballs with the flavors of the sauce.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and meatballs, and toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
  • Transfer the spaghetti, meatballs, and sauce mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Lastly, let's bake the spaghetti and meatballs:

  • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce baked. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete Italian feast. Buon appetito!

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Making the meatballs

Making the perfect meatballs requires a combination of well-balanced ingredients and expert technique. This classic recipe for homemade meatballs will surely impress your friends and family. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and savory dish that is bound to become a family favorite.

  • Gather your ingredients: To start, you will need one pound of ground beef, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, one egg, two cloves of minced garlic, half of a finely chopped onion, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Mix the ingredients well until combined. The best way to achieve this is by using your hands. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure a well-mixed meatball.
  • Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it's time to shape the mixture into meatballs of the desired size. A standard size is approximately one to two inches in diameter. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
  • To shape the meatballs, take a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms until it forms a smooth and round meatball. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been formed into meatballs. Remember to handle the mixture gently to maintain tenderness in the final product.
  • At this stage, you have two options for cooking the meatballs. You can either bake them in the oven or cook them on the stovetop. If you choose to bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
  • If you prefer to cook the meatballs on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown on all sides and are fully cooked.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite sauce or pasta. They can also be used in other dishes like meatball subs or added to soups and stews for added flavor.

By following these steps, you will have a delicious batch of meatballs that are sure to impress. The combination of flavors from the beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese, along with the Italian seasoning, creates a well-rounded taste that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy making these meatballs as a tasty and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

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Baking spaghetti and meatballs with prego sauce

Baking spaghetti and meatballs is a classic and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With the help of Prego sauce, you can easily create a flavorful and satisfying dish that your family and friends will love. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to bake spaghetti and meatballs using Prego sauce.

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly. While the oven is preheating, you can start preparing the other components of the dish.

Next, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to add salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside.

Now it's time to assemble the baked spaghetti and meatballs dish. Take a baking dish and spread a layer of Prego sauce on the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.

Once the sauce is spread evenly, arrange the meatballs on top of it. You can use homemade meatballs or store-bought ones, depending on your preference. Make sure to space them out evenly to ensure they cook properly.

After arranging the meatballs, pour more Prego sauce over them. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and add even more flavor to the dish.

To give your baked spaghetti and meatballs a cheesy and gooey finish, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top. The amount of cheese can vary depending on your taste, but a generous amount will result in that perfect stringy cheese effect.

Now that your dish is ready, place it in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take around 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burning your mouth.

Baked spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering and irresistible meal. So don't wait any longer, preheat your oven and start baking this delicious dish!

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Serving spaghetti and meatballs with prego sauce baked

To serve the baked spaghetti and meatballs hot, first preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Next, take your cooked meatballs and place them in a baking dish. Make sure to evenly distribute the meatballs so that they cook evenly. Pour your desired amount of Prego sauce over the meatballs, ensuring that they are fully coated. The sauce will help keep the meatballs moist and add an extra layer of flavor.

After adding the sauce, carefully mix the meatballs and sauce together, making sure they are evenly coated. Then, spread the spaghetti evenly over the top of the meatballs and sauce. Use a fork to gently spread the spaghetti out, making sure that it covers the entire dish.

Once your oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. This will help meld the flavors together and ensure that everything is hot and ready to serve.

When the dish is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to handle. Garnish the baked spaghetti and meatballs with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

To complete the meal, you can serve the baked spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. The garlic bread will add a delicious and crispy element to the meal, while the green salad will provide a fresh and healthy balance.

In summary, serving spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce baked is a simple and tasty way to create a satisfying meal. By following these easy instructions, you can serve the dish hot, garnish it with fresh herbs, and complete the meal with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love.

Frequently asked questions

To make spaghetti and meatballs with Prego sauce baked, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions and set it aside. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and an egg until well-combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. In a separate saucepan, heat up Prego sauce of your choice. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes. Serve the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs on top, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Yes, you can use a different sauce instead of Prego if you prefer. Feel free to use your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce in this recipe. Use about 2 cups of the sauce or adjust according to your taste. You can also experiment with different flavors by trying out different Prego sauce varieties such as garlic & herb, mushroom, or roasted garlic & herb.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with a different type of meat if you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, or you can try a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different types of meat may require different cooking times.

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can replace the ground meat with a meatless alternative such as plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. Prepare the meatballs using the meatless alternative, following the rest of the recipe as usual. Additionally, choose a vegetarian-friendly pasta and check the ingredients of the sauce to ensure it is suitable for vegetarians.

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