Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs is a nostalgic comfort food made from scratch. It combines tender mini beef meatballs with a flavorful tomato broth and ring-shaped pasta for a fun and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (6 or 7-ounce) can tomato paste (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 teaspoons pizza seasoning or dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 cups frozen mini beef meatballs
• 5-6 cups beef broth or water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 16 ounces dried Annelini pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large nonstick stock pot over medium heat. Add the tomato paste, pizza seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly in color, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the sugar (if using), mini beef meatballs, and 5 cups of beef broth to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, add the Annelini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add more broth as needed if the sauce becomes too thick.
4. Step 4: When the pasta is cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using.
5. Step 5: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning by adding more broth and salt if necessary.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately by dividing the spaghetti O’s and meatballs into bowls.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or low-sodium broth so you can control the salt.
• If you can’t find Annelini pasta, small ring-shaped pasta or acini di pepe work well as substitutes.
• Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh note.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Just brown them in the pot first before adding the tomato paste and other ingredients, then continue with the recipe as directed.

What type of pasta is best for spaghetti O’s?

Annelini pasta is traditional because of its small ring shape, but tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small macaroni work perfectly as substitutes.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs recipe is a comforting and nostalgic dish that combines tender mini beef meatballs with al dente annelini pasta in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or when you crave a warm, hearty bowl of homemade pasta soup.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (6 or 7-ounce) can tomato paste (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 teaspoons pizza seasoning or dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Main Components

• 2 cups frozen mini beef meatballs
• 5–6 cups beef broth or water
• 16 ounces dried Annelini pasta
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Tomato Base: Melt the butter in a large nonstick stock pot over medium heat. Add the tomato paste, pizza seasoning (or dried oregano), kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly, developing deeper flavor.
2. Add Meatballs and Broth: Stir in the granulated sugar if using, then add the frozen mini beef meatballs and 5 cups of beef broth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the annelini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add additional broth as needed if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
4. Finish with Cheese: When the pasta is tender and cooked through, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if desired to enrich the flavor and texture.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or broth as needed to reach your preferred flavor and consistency.
6. Serve: Divide the Spaghetti O’s with meatballs into bowls and serve immediately while hot and comforting.

Notes

• Using beef broth instead of water adds depth of flavor, but water works in a pinch.
• Adjust salt carefully, especially if using salted broth.
• Granulated sugar balances acidity in the tomato paste but is optional.
• Parmesan cheese enhances savory notes but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
• Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.

Keywords: Spaghetti O’s, meatballs, homemade pasta soup, easy dinner, Italian-American, annelini pasta, tomato broth, comfort food