Description
A comforting and easy baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe featuring tender smoked turkey meatballs, creamy plant-based cheese, and a rich tomato sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This one-pan dish combines classic flavors with a modern, plant-based twist, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground smoked turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp grated garlic
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
Sauce & Toppings
- 3 cups thick tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (shredded, for topping)
- Fresh basil and parsley, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground smoked turkey, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent in a bowl. Gently mix until just combined and roll into bite-sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While browning the meatballs, cook spaghetti according to package instructions, draining just before al dente. Toss drained pasta lightly with olive oil and set aside.
- Combine Sauce, Meatballs, and Pasta: In a large oven-safe dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Add a layer of spaghetti, then a generous portion of browned meatballs. Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over top. Scatter shredded plant-based cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Keep meatballs small for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Use a thick tomato sauce or reduce a thinner sauce to avoid soggy pasta.
- Undercook spaghetti slightly before baking to prevent mushiness.
- Let the dish rest after baking for easier serving and flavor assimilation.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, fresh note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti, meatballs, smoked turkey, plant-based cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free, one pan
