The Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This layered pasta bake is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, featuring layers of tender spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and a creamy tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The combination of familiar Italian flavors and the layered presentation make this a standout meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a cozy meal, this spaghetti stack delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
Why This Recipe Works
This Italian-inspired dish is a hit for several reasons:
- Classic Flavors, New Presentation: By layering the ingredients, you get a different texture and flavor in every bite, with the creaminess of the sauce perfectly melding into the pasta and meatballs.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The addition of cream of mushroom soup to the tomato sauce creates a rich, creamy texture that complements the spaghetti and meatballs without overpowering them.
- Juicy Meatballs: The use of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a touch of ketchup in the meatballs ensures they stay moist and flavorful, while a quick sear locks in those juices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it convenient for busy nights or when entertaining. Simply layer everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the base for flavorful and juicy meatballs.
- ½ cup bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami depth.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Adds moisture and a slight sweetness, enhancing the meatball flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped onion: Adds subtle aromatic flavor and moisture.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic without overwhelming the meatballs.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild, balanced heat.
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Forms the base of a classic Italian-style tomato sauce.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds a creamy, savory element to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a layer of richness and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Provides an earthy Italian herb flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the sauce with a bit of spice.
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti: The classic Italian pasta choice that holds up well in layered dishes.
How To Make the Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, ketchup, chopped onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a Skillet: Add a bit of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set them aside once cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom. Add a layer of half the meatballs on top, followed by half the sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining spaghetti, then layer with the rest of the meatballs and sauce. Spread everything evenly for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted slightly.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
To ensure a perfectly layered and flavorful Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more intense flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize the Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or try Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Try Additional Layers: For more texture, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the layers for a nutritious boost and extra flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be pre-assembled and stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the bake time by about 10 minutes if starting from cold.
- Use Good-Quality Tomato Sauce: Since tomato sauce is a key ingredient, using a high-quality brand will make a difference in the flavor of the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
The Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced with some complementary sides:
- Serve with Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Add a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing or Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the baked dish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Offer Extra Parmesan: A side of grated Parmesan allows everyone to add more cheesy goodness to their servings.
Time
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time for Meatballs and Sauce: 30 minutes
- Assembly Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Enjoy Your Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack!
With layers of spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and creamy tomato sauce, this Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack is the epitome of comfort food with a twist. This dish will be a hit with family and friends, and it’s sure to make your dinner table feel warm and welcoming.