Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe features tender smoked turkey meatballs, rich natural tomato sauce, and melty plant-based cheese, creating a comforting and hearty dinner perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare and customizable, it combines protein, carbs, and savory flavors in one delicious baked dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground smoked turkey
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground smoked turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small, even-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. This seals in juices and enhances smoky flavor before baking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Undercooking allows pasta to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and onion until translucent. Add tomato sauce (natural), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer to meld flavors and deepen the sauce.
- Combine Everything: In a large baking dish, mix cooked spaghetti with half of the plant-based cheese (plant-based) and the sauce. Arrange browned smoked turkey meatballs evenly on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Sprinkle remaining plant-based cheese (plant-based) over the dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese melts and sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- Balance moisture by not overcooking pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Make uniform-sized meatballs for consistent cooking times.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for brighter flavor.
- Let dish rest 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken and enhance flavors.
- Add a splash of water to the sauce if it thickens too much before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, turkey meatballs, plant-based cheese, tomato sauce, comfort food, easy dinner
