Easy Homemade Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or broth as needed to reach your preferred flavor and consistency.
- 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
