Are you ready to take your lunch or dinner game to the next level? Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs are not just a nostalgic dish, they’re an all-time favorite that combines the savory goodness of tender meatballs and pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This delightful comfort food offers a mouthwatering flavor and a fun, kid-friendly shape that will have everyone on the table asking for seconds. Best of all, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully throughout the day. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s simple to prepare, this recipe is just what you need.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs
Not sure if this recipe is for you? Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful meal that practically cooks itself!
- Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re new to cooking, the simple instructions make it easy to follow along and impress your family with a fantastic dish.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Featuring delicious meatballs and fun pasta shapes, this meal is a hit with kids—and adults too!
- Economical: Using inexpensive pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make a big batch and store leftovers for busy weeknights.
The Necessary Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking, let’s ensure you have everything you need to create this delightful dish. Here’s the ingredient list:
- 40 cooked beef meatballs
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces dry ditalini noodles
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients
- Beef Meatballs: The star of this recipe! You can use homemade meatballs; however, frozen pre-cooked ones save time. If you’re seeking a healthier option, turkey or chicken meatballs work as a superb substitute.
- Tomato Sauce: For a different flavor profile, consider using marinara sauce or a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. This can add depth to the dish!
- Ditalini Noodles: While ditalini gives a unique shape, you can substitute it with any small pasta, like elbow macaroni or mini shells, depending on what you have on hand.
How to Prepare the Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs Step by Step
Now, let’s walk through the steps to whip up this delicious meal. Follow these instructions for a fuss-free cooking experience:
- Add the Meatballs: In a large slow cooker, place 40 frozen cooked beef meatballs. This base will provide the heartiness to your dish!
- Pro Tip: Choose high-quality meatballs for better flavor; homemade ones are fantastic if you have time!
- Pour in Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth: Pour in 2 cans of tomato sauce and 32 ounces of beef broth over the meatballs.
- Pro Tip: The beef broth not only enhances the flavor but also provides extra moisture for the pasta cooking later.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gently stir to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Pro Tip: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences!
- Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5-6 hours. This slow cook will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can extend the cooking time.
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add 8 ounces of dry ditalini noodles to the mixture and stir until they are well-coated.
- Pro Tip: For best results, ensure that the noodles are submerged in the liquid while they cook.
- Final Cooking: Cover again and allow the noodles to cook until tender, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Taste the noodles periodically to avoid overcooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs are ready, here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Pair with a refreshing iced tea or a classic lemonade for a perfect summer meal!
- Side Dishes: Serve with garlic breadsticks or a simple green salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: This easy recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Special Occasions: Kids’ birthday parties or family gatherings are great occasions to make this nostalgic dish that everyone will love.
Serving Tips
- For a family-style feel, serve directly from the slow cooker.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs fresh, follow these storage and reheating tips:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Type of Container: Use an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezed
- Packaging: You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months.
- Defrosting: To defrost, transfer to the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients yield the best flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on your pasta since overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different; don’t hesitate to tweak the spices!
- Double the Recipe: If you have a crowd to feed, this recipe can easily be doubled for gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! Here are some delicious variations of this recipe:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give it a kick your taste buds will love!
- For a Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meatballs for plant-based alternatives and beef broth for vegetable broth.
- For a Cheesy Twist: Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a creamy texture and added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use uncooked meatballs instead of cooked ones?
A: Yes, you can use uncooked meatballs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Q: My sauce came out too thick; what can I do?
A: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours. Just keep an eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
Q: What if I don’t have ditalini noodles?
A: You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or shells, or even broken spaghetti.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free meatballs and pasta, ensuring that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the noodles when you’re ready to cook.
Now that you have everything you need to make Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy some comforting goodness! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe will surely impress. Happy cooking!
Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 40 pieces cooked beef meatballs Homemade or frozen pre-cooked.
- 2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each) Can substitute with marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes.
- 32 ounces beef broth Enhances flavor and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces dry ditalini noodles Can substitute with small pasta shapes.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large slow cooker, place 40 frozen cooked beef meatballs.
- Pour in 2 cans of tomato sauce and 32 ounces of beef broth over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gently stir.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add 8 ounces of dry ditalini noodles to the mixture and stir.
- Cover again and allow the noodles to cook until tender, approximately 30 minutes.