Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs
A nostalgic and comforting dish that features small pasta shapes in a rich tomato sauce with tender meatballs, perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Kid-friendly
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (like O’s, stars, or elbows)
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, garlic powder, and half the Italian seasoning. Form into small meatballs, about an inch in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, along with the remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Transfer to bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey for a healthier option. Serve with garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: spaghetti O's, meatballs, comfort food, easy recipes, family dinner