Description
Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs is a comforting and quick family meal featuring tender pasta rings in a rich tomato sauce with juicy meatballs made from fresh ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines wholesome nutrition with customizable options to suit various dietary preferences, making it perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 package spaghetti rings pasta (about 12 oz)
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken (lean cuts)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Plant-based parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion and garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Italian seasoning (natural), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape mixture into small bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside, leaving any browned bits in the pan.
- Create the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes (natural), grape juice, and Italian seasoning (natural). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through and sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Spaghetti Rings: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti rings pasta according to package instructions until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold cooked spaghetti rings into the tomato sauce with meatballs, coating each piece evenly. Plate the dish, sprinkle with plant-based parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to deepen flavors and thicken naturally without added thickeners.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to preserve their brightness and aroma.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- To thicken the sauce further, stir in a pinch of natural gelling agent dissolved in water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Os, Meatballs, Quick Dinner, Family Meal, One-Pot, Comfort Food, Plant-Based Options, Italian Seasoning
