Description
A comforting and flavorful baked spaghetti and meatballs dish featuring tender spaghetti noodles, juicy smoked turkey meatballs, rich natural tomato sauce, and creamy plant-based cheese. Baked to a golden bubbly perfection, this easy one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, delivering a balanced and satisfying experience with a delicious aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground smoked turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles (or gluten-free spaghetti noodles)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 24 oz tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (mozzarella or cheddar style)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground smoked turkey, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped fresh basil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Mix gently but thoroughly. Form into medium-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and toss lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce (natural): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until translucent and fragrant. Add tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, chopped oregano, and basil. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to combine flavors.
- Cook the Meatballs: In a separate skillet, brown the meatballs lightly on all sides until sealed and partially cooked. This enhances flavor and texture before baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, mix the spaghetti with most of the tomato sauce, coating the noodles well. Nestle the browned meatballs evenly over the spaghetti. Pour the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle generously with plant-based cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for the best flavor.
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender and juicy.
- Partially cooking meatballs before baking improves texture and prevents falling apart.
- Try adding plant-based cheese inside meatballs for a cheesy surprise.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to enhance taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, meatballs, smoked turkey, plant-based cheese, tomato sauce, gluten-free spaghetti, easy dinner, comforting meal
