Pasta

SpaghettiOs With Meatballs Recipe 

SpaghettiOs With Meatballs

Remember those childhood nights, curled on the couch with a bowl of steaming SpaghettiOs with meatballs? Yeah, me too. There’s just something undeniably comforting about that classic combination of tiny pasta rings and bite-sized meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. But as much as I adore that nostalgic taste, I’ve always craved a more grown-up version, made with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor.

What Is SpaghettiOs With Meatballs?

SpaghettiOs with meatballs is a canned pasta dish popular in the United States. It typically consists of small, circular pasta shapes (resembling the letter “O”) in a tomato-based sauce with miniature meatballs. It’s a convenient and quick meal option that’s especially popular with children and families. The pasta shapes and small size of the meatballs make it easy to eat and enjoyable for kids. It’s often heated and served straight from the can, making it a simple and comforting dish for many.

Ingredients:

For The Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For The Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For The Pasta:

  • 1 ½ cups mini ring pasta (Anellini or Orecchiette)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Make The Meatballs:

  • Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).

Cook The Meatballs:

  • Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Make The Tomato Sauce:

  • Heat olive oil over medium heat in the same skillet (with the leftover browned bits). Add the onions and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, water or broth, tomato paste, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Cook The Pasta:

  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the mini ring pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta once cooked.

Assemble And Serve:

  • Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce.
  • Gently stir in the cooked pasta and heat through for a few minutes.
  • Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese (optional).

Tips:

  • Substitute beef broth with water in the sauce for a richer tomato flavor.
  • Want to sneak in some vegetables? Add chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce while it simmers.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe is easily customizable. Don’t like beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination instead.
  • You can adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

What To Serve With

  • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: These classic choices add comfort to the meal. The garlic flavor pairs well with the tomato sauce of the SpaghettiOs.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the SpaghettiOs with meatballs.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Serve steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans on the side for added nutrition and color. It balances out the SpaghettiOs with meatballs meal and adds a bit of freshness.
  • Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh fruit salad can be a refreshing and healthy addition to the meal. It complements the savory flavors of the main dish.
  • Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella can be sprinkled on the SpaghettiOs with meatballs for extra flavor.
  • Dessert: For a sweet finish, consider serving a light dessert such as cookies, brownies, or some fruit sorbet.
  • Beverages: Offer beverages that complement the meal, such as water, lemonade, or iced tea. These are refreshing choices that go well with pasta dishes.
  • Snacks: If you’re serving this as a casual meal or for kids, consider having some crackers, chips, or pretzels on the side for snacking.

Health Benefits

  • Source of Carbohydrates: SpaghettiOs provide carbohydrates from the pasta, which can be a quick energy source. However, these are typically refined carbohydrates from white flour, lacking the fiber and nutrients in whole grains.
  • Protein from Meatballs: The meatballs in SpaghettiOs provide some protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. However, the amount of protein may be relatively low compared to other protein-rich foods.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Canned pasta dishes like SpaghettiOs may be fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins to enhance their nutritional profile. However, the processing and canning can also lead to some loss of nutrients.
  • High Sodium Content: One significant concern with SpaghettiOs and similar canned foods is their high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, especially if consumed regularly.

Final Thoughts

That’s all there is to it! This homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s a fun twist on a childhood favorite, offering a fresh flavor that canned versions can’t compete with.

More Pasta Recipes:

[penci_recipe]

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