Homemade SpaghettiOs With Meatballs
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Revisiting childhood favorites can be a delightful experience, and this recipe for homemade SpaghettiOs with meatballs is a perfect example. The rich tomato sauce, combined with perfectly seasoned meatballs, brings back memories while offering a fresh take on a classic dish. The process begins with sautéing onions and garlic, which creates a fragrant base for the sauce. Adding tomato paste and crushed tomatoes elevates the flavor, making it far superior to the canned version many of us remember.
The meatballs are a standout feature of this recipe. By mixing ground beef with ricotta and parmesan, you create a tender and flavorful bite that pairs beautifully with the sauce. The addition of panko breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. Searing them before adding to the sauce adds a delightful texture and depth of flavor.
Finally, the unique pasta shape used in this dish adds a fun twist. Anolini, often found in Italian markets, is a perfect match for the sauce and meatballs, making each bite enjoyable. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or simply want a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced onion until softened.
Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
Add tomato paste to the pan and toast for about a minute.
Stir in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.
Add balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the sauce.
Tip: Always add sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Bring the sauce to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Tip: Cover the pot while simmering to prevent splatters.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, egg, and olive oil.
Mix the meatball ingredients with your hands while wearing gloves.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
Tip: You can freeze meatballs for another day.
Heat olive oil in a pan for cooking the meatballs.
Add meatballs to the hot pan and sear until browned.
Tip: Searing meatballs adds texture and flavor.
Transfer the seared meatballs into the simmering sauce.
Tip: Adding meatballs to the sauce enhances both the sauce and the meatballs.
Cook SpaghettiOs or similar pasta according to package instructions.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce.
Serve the pasta with meatballs, garnishing with cheese and parsley.
Tip: Use fresh parsley and cheese for garnish to enhance presentation.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Homemade meatballs can be made with a combination of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
- •Toasting tomato paste before adding tomatoes enhances the sauce's depth of flavor.
- •Using ricotta cheese in meatballs adds moisture and richness.
- •Pasta shapes like anolini can be found in specialty Italian markets.
