Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs Recipe
This homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs recipe recreates the nostalgic canned pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce, tender bite-sized meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta rings. It’s a comforting, kid-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes, combining savory flavors with creamy Parmesan and a touch of sweetness for an authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 30 Min or Less, Dinner Ideas, Lunch, Quick Dinner Ideas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry pasta rings
- 2 tablespoons butter
Tomato Sauce
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Meatballs
- 20 oz frozen bite-sized meatballs
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta rings following the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and toss immediately with butter to coat and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Finish the sauce and combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy tomato sauce. Add the frozen bite-sized meatballs and the cooked pasta rings into the skillet. Continue simmering the mixture uncovered for an additional 12 minutes, allowing the meatballs to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Dish out the SpaghettiOs with Meatballs and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in a pot over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
- For authenticity, use mini or bite-sized frozen meatballs; quarter larger meatballs if needed.
- Homemade mini Italian meatballs can be used by baking at 350°F for 15 minutes until no longer pink.
- Vegetarian option: replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or omit them altogether.
- Prevent overcooking pasta by timing carefully; al dente pasta holds up better during simmering.
- Add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or baby spinach to increase nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, adjusting heat levels individually to keep kid-friendly servings.
- Adding garlic (freshly minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder) enhances flavor though omitted here to stay close to the original taste.
- Choose original crushed tomatoes for a classic flavor or fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth.
