Get ready for a cozy meal with your own Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs. You’ll enjoy tender noodles and yummy meatballs in a smooth, tomato sauce that’s just delightful!
Making this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to whip up when your cravings hit. Just grab some ingredients, and you’re all set for a fun dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: A mix of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs great flavor. If you prefer, you can use turkey or chicken instead to lighten things up, and they will still taste delicious.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but if you’re looking for gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice chex—they’ll hold the meatballs together nicely!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist!
Tomato Sauce: You can use store-bought tomato sauce but feel free to make your own with crushed tomatoes, added seasonings, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
How Do You Cook the Meatballs to Get Them Just Right?
Cooking meatballs perfectly is key to a great dish. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Here’s how to get them nicely browned:
- Shape your meatballs and let them rest a few minutes; this helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Add meatballs to the hot skillet in batches, giving them space. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. This locks in the flavor. Make sure they’re cooked through—use a meat thermometer if needed (165°F or 74°C).
How Do You Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce?
The sauce is simple yet crucial for flavor. Follow these steps to create a smooth and tasty sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour for a couple of minutes until it forms a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps—this makes the sauce creamy.
- Once it thickens, stir in tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Add Parmesan cheese at the end for a rich flavor. Stir until it’s melted!
With these insights, you’re all set to make your Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs a big hit! Enjoy your cooking!
Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed canned tomatoes)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) small round pasta noodles (like o-shape pasta or small elbow macaroni)
For Garnish:
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. You can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in about 45 minutes total. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs might be tough!
2. Shape into Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for little bites in your Spaghetti O’s!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your sauce!
5. Create the Base of the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
7. Finish the Sauce:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s melted and smooth. This will make your sauce creamy and irresistible.
8. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the small round pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Pour the creamy tomato sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
10. Add Meatballs:
Carefully fold in the cooked meatballs into the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently combine to make sure everything is coated and nice.
11. Serve:**
Dish out the homemade Spaghetti O’s into bowls while they’re hot. Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs—creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender meatballs! This dish is sure to bring back fond memories and warm your heart. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Just One Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can use just ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. Each option will yield a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference!
What Can I Use Instead of Tomato Sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, crushed canned tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce work perfectly. Just adjust the seasoning to taste, as store-bought sauces can vary in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together in airtight containers. Just ensure everything cools completely before freezing. They should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
