This Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for both adults and kids. It brings back cherished memories while offering a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. The best part? You can whip it up all in one pot! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a nostalgic lunch, this dish is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
- One-Pot Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot, letting you enjoy more time with family.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the mini meatballs and fun pasta shapes, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish combines the rich flavors of homemade meatballs with the nostalgia of SpaghettiOs.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This is crucial for mixing the meatball ingredients without spilling, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Frying pan: A good frying pan allows for even cooking of the meatballs and helps in creating a delicious sauce.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pans, plus it adds a rustic touch to your cooking!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ½ lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan (grated)
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup anellini or any short pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ cup parmesan (grated)
How to Make Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Gather all the meatball ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Roll into marble-sized balls.
- Chill in a single layer in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 day.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Place your frying pan on medium heat and drizzle in olive oil.
- Add meatballs to the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re evenly browned.
- Once cooked, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for about 1 minute until garlic turns slightly translucent.
- Spoon in tomato paste, cooking until caramelized with a vibrant red color.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Pasta
- Pour in chicken broth and add your pasta.
- Turn heat back up to medium, stirring regularly as pasta may stick.
- Allow sauce to thicken over a gentle boil for approximately 15 minutes without covering.
Step 5: Finish Up Your Dish
- Once sauce has reduced by half, stir in onion powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese.
- Gently add meatballs back into the pan just to warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm topped with extra parmesan.
Enjoy your delicious Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs!
How to Serve Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
Serving Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs can be as fun and creative as the dish itself. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
Make It a Meal
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for an indulgent duo.
Customize Your Presentation
- Cheese Garnish: Top each bowl with extra grated parmesan for added richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Kid-Friendly Options
- Fun Shapes: Use fun-shaped pasta instead of anellini to make the meal more appealing to kids.
- Mini Bowls: Serve in small bowls or cups for an adorable, portioned presentation.
How to Perfect Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
Perfecting your Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and good-quality meat make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Monitor the Heat: Keep your cooking temperature consistent; too high can burn the garlic and ruin the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
Pairing side dishes with Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the rich flavors of the spaghetti dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Caprese Skewers: These skewers offer a fresh twist with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth and variety to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit and easy to prepare alongside.
- Fruit Platter: A refreshing fruit platter helps cleanse the palate after rich pasta dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Overmixing the meatballs – Mixing the meat too much can make the meatballs tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Not chilling the meatballs – Skipping the chilling step can cause meatballs to fall apart while cooking. Chill them for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Ignoring garlic cooking time – Cooking garlic too long can lead to bitterness. Just sauté it until it’s slightly translucent for maximum flavor.
- Covering the sauce while cooking – Covering the pot can trap moisture, preventing sauce thickening. Leave it uncovered to let it reduce properly.
- Not tasting before serving – Failing to taste before serving may result in a bland dish. Always check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs:
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! While anellini is traditional, any short pasta will work well in this recipe.
How do I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices! Oregano or crushed red pepper can add a nice twist.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs?
The total time is about 60 minutes, which includes preparation and cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs
Homemade SpaghettiOs w/ Mini Meatballs is a delightful twist on a beloved classic that brings both comfort and nostalgia to the table. This easy, one-pot meal combines tender mini meatballs with fun pasta shapes and a rich, savory sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy lunches. In just about an hour, you can create a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to add your personal touch. Enjoy this comforting recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan (grated)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup anellini or any short pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ cup parmesan (grated)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until just combined and roll into marble-sized meatballs. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until translucent. Add tomato paste and cook until caramelized.
- Pour in chicken broth and add pasta; bring to a gentle boil for about 15 minutes without covering.
- Stir in onion powder, paprika, and parmesan before adding meatballs back to warm through for about 2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
