This delicious casserole combines the best of Spaghetti and Meatballs but in casserole form layered with mozzarella cheese. It uses both gluten free bread crumbs and spaghetti noodles but you can use regular pasta and bread crumbs if you don't need the casserole gluten free. This kid-friendly entree will soon become a favorite!
2tbsp.buttermelted, (either salted or unsalted is okay)
Instructions
MARINARA SAUCE:
In a large Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat add olive oil and heat through.
Add onion and garlic and sauté about 3-5 minutes or until onion is translucent.
Add carrots, celery, bell pepper and mushrooms and continue sautéing until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
Add meatballs; cover and simmer for about 40 minutes.
Remove bay leaves.
Check seasoning.
Add additional salt, pepper or seasonings, as desired.
MEATBALLS:
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Shape into small meatballs.
Drop the meatballs into simmering marinara sauce.
Cover with lid and do not stir for at least 20 minutes or the meatballs will break apart.
Continue cooking in the simmering sauce for another 20 minutes or until done.
If desired, you can cook the sauce a little longer to meld the flavors.
CASSEROLE:
Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package directions.
Drain in colander.
Stir in 2 tbsp. melted butter.
Grease a 10x15” glass baking dish.
Add buttered spaghetti and spread into prepared dish.
Spoon Marinara Sauce with Meatballs over top of spaghetti.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top.
Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 10-15 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly and cheese has melted.
Notes
NOTE: You must use a 93% or 96% lean ground beef in this recipe or the meat will emit too much grease into the sauce.NOTE: Meatballs can be baked in a 350° oven approximately 30 minutes if desired. Cut marinara sauce cooking time down to 30 minutes.NOTE:Ronzoni makes gluten free spaghetti using brown rice flour, rice flour, corn and quinoa. It is a much better product than just about anything else I've tried. Their thin spaghetti takes about 7 minutes to cook.