Download a FREE E-Book with 20 Easy Weeknight Dinners
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
About
Lifestyle
Favorite Products
Contact
Mad About Food
  • Recipe Index
    • AppetizersBrowse a variety of appetizers from dips to wings to charcuterie board. Whether you are serving a crowd or just a few people, you can find an appetizer for any occasion here.
    • BreakfastPeople say breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Grab one of these breakfast recipes to get your day started on the right foot.
    • LunchLunch does not get enough credit! Browse a variety of lunch recipes that are perfect for a lunch with friends or to pack into your lunchbox for work.
    • DinnerBrowse a variety of dinner recipes. Some of them are good for just a few people and some can feed a crowd. They are all satisfying.
    • SidesDon’t settle for boring sides! Serve these flavor packed side dishes along side your entree.
    • DessertLooking for something sweet? Try one of my dessert recipes. I like to keep things simple when I bake so you won’t find any complicated recipes here.
    • SnackI love to grab healthy snacks between meals. Browse a selection of satisfying snack recipes here.
    • CocktailsUse these simple cocktail recipes to whip up restaurant quality cocktails in your own home.
    • Sauces, Dips, and DressingsBoost the flavor of any meal with these sauces, dips, and dressings! Browse a selection of everything from simple marinades to cheesy baked dips.
    • ChickenChicken is such a versatile protein! Check out these delicious recipes that feature chicken as a the main ingredient.
    • BeefBeef is the star ingredient in these simple recipes. Browse recipes made with a variety of cuts of beef from steaks to ground beef.
    • PorkPork is the star ingredient in these simple recipes. Browse recipes made with a variety of cuts of pork from pork chops to ground pork.
    • SeafoodBrowse a list of recipes with seafood as the main ingredient. These healthy recipes are made with salmon, shrimp, tuna, and other kinds of seafood.
    • TurkeyTurkey is the star ingredient in these simple recipes. Browse recipes made with a variety of cuts of turkey from a bone in Thanksgiving turkey breast to ground turkey meatballs.
    • MeatlessBrowse a variety of meatless meals made with simple, whole ingredients.
    • Instant PotUse your Instant Pot or pressure cooker to speed up meal time. Browse a variety of recipes that you can quickly prepare in your Instant Pot.
    • Air FryerUse your air fryer to get the satisfying crisp and crunch of deep frying without the oil. You will be amazed at home many delicious meals you can make in your air fryer!
    • GrillingThere is nothing better than cooking dinner on the grill on a warm night. Whether you’re preparing a small meal or cooking for a crowd at a backyard barbecue, you can find a satisfying recipe here.
    • 30 Minute MealsThis 30 minute meals page is a list of my favorite dishes and meals that come together in 30 minutes or less! Take a look at this list when you need to get dinner on the table ASAP!
    • One Pan MealSave time and dirty less dishes with these delicious one pan meals. Make a full meal on a sheet pan or in a skillet.
    • Gluten FreeAvoiding gluten? Check out these delicious and satisfying recipes that just happen to also be gluten free!
    • Dairy FreeNo dairy? No problem! Browse this selection of dairy free recipes from sauces to entrees to desserts!
    • VeganBrowse a variety of plant based recipes here. These healthy vegan recipes are made without any animal products, but are still loaded with flavor!
    • VegetarianAvoiding meat? Check out these delicious vegetarian recipes made with whole ingredients.
    • Egg FreeBrowse Mad About Food recipes made without eggs.
    • Nut FreeBrowse a variety of healthy recipes made without nuts including nut free desserts, appetizers, and entrees.
    • High Protein
    • About
    • Lifestyle
    • Favorite Products
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
Search

Trending:

Thanksgiving
30 Minute Meals
High Protein
Air Fryer
One Pan
Meal Prep
Breakfast
Home / Blog / Recipes

Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs

Jump to Recipe

By:

Madeline

Updated: April 29, 2024

This site may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Use this Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs recipe to make a healthier version of your childhood favorite. Skip the can and minutes you will have a delicious one pot pasta with mini meatballs.

One-pot

Easy cleanup

You’ll Learn: Smart freezer tips for portioning out perfect grab-and-go lunches or busy night dinners

Worth It: A reliable family favorite that even picky eaters love

Bonus: One-pan approach for easy cleanup

Uh Oh, SpaghettiOs.

There are probably very few Americans who don’t have some memory of Campbell’s SpaghettiOs from their childhood. I remember having SpaghettiOs when my parents went out to dinner and we had to stay home with a babysitter.

The SpaghettiOs with meatballs were always my favorite version. I am on a mission to recreate healthier versions of my childhood favorites so I knew I had to add Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs to the list.

What’s not to love about small ringed pasta in a red sauce with mini meatballs?

I learned from this article by Mashed that Campbell’s spaghettiOs were created as an alternative to traditional spaghetti. The small rings were easier for kids to eat without making a mess.

The problem with regular SpaghettiOs is they are made with some not so healthy ingredients. These ingredients help the pasta survive the canning and reheating process.

The good news is that you can make the Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs at home with simple ingredients and without the junk.

What kitchen tools will I need to make Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs?

  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Liquid measuring cups
  • Large pot or dutch oven
  • Mixing spoons
  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment paper

What ingredients will I need to make Campbell’s SpaghettiOs at home?

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make a healthy version of SpaghettiOs with meatballs with just a few simple ingredients.

  • Ground beef
  • Egg
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Tomato puree
  • Small ring pasta like Anellini pasta
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Milk
  • Cheddar cheese

Let’s make Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs!

Step 1: Prep and cook meatballs

To begin, reheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, combine mini meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Take 1 tsp of meatball mix and roll into a small mini meatball and lay on the baking sheet, Repeat this process until you have used up all of the meatball mixture.

If you don’t have time to roll all of the meatballs you can roll several large meatball and cut them into smaller pieces one they’re cooked.

Then, bake the mini meatballs at 350F for 14 minutes,

Step 2: Boil and simmer pasta

While the meatballs bake, combine small ring pasta, tomato puree, water, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to a large pot or dutch oven. Then, heat over high heat until the mixture boils – stirring regularly.

Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Then, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Mix in the cheese, milk, and meatballs

Turn off the heat and while the pasta is still warm mix in the milk and cheddar cheese. Then, stir until the cheese is fully melted. Mix the mini meatballs into the SpaghettiOs and serve!

Step 4: Enjoy!

How long will this homemade spaghettiOs with meatballs recipe keep in the fridge?

Allow the spaghettiOs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Then, store the spaghettiOs in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Email Recipe for Later

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

Recipe

Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs

4.84 from 6 votes
Healthier SpaghettiOs with meatballs made at home with simple ingredients
Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 30 minutes minutes
Print Review Pin It SaveSaved!
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Mini Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

SpaghettiOs

  • 28 oz can tomato puree
  • 4 cups water
  • 1.5 cups dry mini ring pasta – I used Anellini
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Combine mini meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl 
  • Take 1 tsp of meatball mix and roll into a small mini meatball and lay on the baking sheet
  • Repeat this process until you have used up all of the meatball mixture – if you don’t have time to roll all of the meatballs you can roll several large meatball and cut them into smaller pieces one they’re cooked
  • Bake the mini meatballs at 350F for 14 minutes
  • While the meatballs bake, combine small ring pasta, tomato puree, water, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to a large pot or dutch oven
  • Heat over high heat until the mixture boils – stirring regularly
  • Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot
  • Simmer for 10 minutes stirring frequently 
  • Turn off the heat and while the pasta is still warm mix in the milk and cheddar cheese
  • Stir until the cheese is fully melted
  • Mix the mini meatballs into the SpaghettiOs and serve!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 6g, Calories: 449kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 25g (8%), Protein: 26g (52%), Fat: 27g (42%), Saturated Fat: 12g (75%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 114mg (38%), Sodium: 950mg (41%), Potassium: 881mg (25%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 7g (8%), Vitamin A: 1091IU (22%), Vitamin C: 14mg (17%), Calcium: 300mg (30%), Iron: 4mg (22%)

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Did you make my Homemade SpaghettiOs with Meatballs?

Review Share on Insta SaveSaved!
I appreciate your reviews SO much! Mention @mad_about_food and hashtag your photo with #madaboutfood
1152 shares
  • Facebook
  • Email
Madeline Avatar

About

Madeline

Hi, I’m Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let’s get cooking!
Learn More
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




22 responses

  1. Ryann
    October 20, 2020

    5 stars
    LOVED THIS RECIPE!!! I saw this on her IG one of the first days she posted it and I was feeling super nostalgic that day. My husband always hated spaghetti o’s so I secretly did not tell him what I was making until it was done. He ate 2 bug bowls! And leftovers! Will 100% make again. Side note I used ABC pasta instead of small rings . Love your recipes!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      October 20, 2020

      Amazing!!! Love to hear it and LOVE the use of ABCs

      Reply
    2. Emily
      November 9, 2023

      5 stars
      Is there a way to make the meatballs without egg?

      Reply
      1. Madeline
        November 13, 2023

        Hi there! There are some subs such as mayo and yogurt, but I have not tried any subs for this particular recipe.

        Reply
  2. Lynn
    November 1, 2020

    A little too much water but fun, nevertheless!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      November 1, 2020

      Hi Lynn! Can I ask what kind of noodles you used? If you use larger noodles then yes this recipe will have a little too much water.

      Thanks!

      Reply
  3. Angie Wren
    November 8, 2022

    Can you can this recipe?

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      November 9, 2022

      I recommend storing it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  4. Katie
    March 22, 2023

    This is so good! Big hit with kids and adults alike 🙂

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      March 22, 2023

      YAY! Thanks, Katie!

      Reply
  5. Sharon
    July 31, 2023

    Can this be made ahead of time? Would you freeze it? Should the pasta be only par-cooked?

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      July 31, 2023

      Yes! You can freeze and store in an airtight container. The dish should be fully cooked, thawed, and then reheated.

      Reply
  6. Linda Fountain
    November 27, 2023

    4 stars
    This was crazy good! Brought me back to the 70s! My 2 year old grandson loved it – especially because his name begins with O!! The only changes I made was I used cream instead of milk, added 1/4 tsp beef better than bullion, and didn’t use cheddar. Instead I used 1/4 cup Romano (powdered) cheese. I cooked the pasta in the sauce, not separately.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      November 27, 2023

      Hi Linda! Thanks for the review. In the future, if you consider a recipe crazy good, I would really appreciate if you consider leaving 5 stars. 4 star reviews hurt my business more than I can explain.

      Reply
  7. Aleks
    January 29, 2024

    5 stars
    Nostalgic healthy recipe that hit the spot!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      January 30, 2024

      Yay, that was the goal! Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Jacqueline Robinson
    October 19, 2024

    5 stars
    My husband asks for this regularly. He said it tastes exactly like his childhood favorite. Only it’s not full of preservatives and unwanted ingredients. Thank you for the great recipe!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      October 20, 2024

      Awesome!! Thank you for the review!

      Reply
  9. Michele Bungo
    December 21, 2024

    Hi can I can this recipe? (Spaghetti is and meatballs)

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      December 21, 2024

      Hi Michele! I have not tested canning this recipe.

      Reply
  10. Hallie Fox
    January 26, 2025

    5 stars
    My picky kids rated this 1000 thumbs up! Definitely will add this to the meal rotation! Thank you so much for your amazing recipes that will by week are so suitable for my family! Another hit!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      January 27, 2025

      Yay! That is a big win!

      Reply

ThANKSGIVING FAVORITES

  • Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

    Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

  • Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes

    Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  • Fresh Green Bean Casserole

    Fresh Green Bean Casserole

  • Pumpkin Pie Bars

    Pumpkin Pie Bars

  • Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

  • Dry Brine Turkey with Herb Butter

    Dry Brine Turkey with Herb Butter

All Thanksgiving Recipes

Welcome

Hi, I’m Madeline – food blogger and recipe developer based just outside Philadelphia. Join me for simple, comforting recipes designed for the whole family. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast, and let’s get to cooking!

Read more

Popular Posts

  • Oven Baked Chuck Roast Recipe

    Oven Baked Chuck Roast Recipe

  • Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

    Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

  • Potato Cheddar Chive Bakes (Starbucks Copycat)

    Potato Cheddar Chive Bakes (Starbucks Copycat)

  • Oven Baked Starbucks Egg Bites

    Oven Baked Starbucks Egg Bites

  • High Protein Sausage Pancake Muffins

    High Protein Sausage Pancake Muffins

  • Greek Yogurt Waffles

    Greek Yogurt Waffles

image of 6 recipes

Grab a free

E-Book With 6 Of My Top Rated Recipes

Sign me up!

Join Me And over 500k Friends On Instagram

@mad_about_food

“This is my third time making this recipe and it’s a fave for meal prepping! So delicious, quick and easy ☺️” – Jessica

Get recipe

“This was so simple and delicious!! Worked late and still quickly put together a great meal.” – Dana

Get recipe

“So good! Not only was this incredibly easy to make, the flavor was perfect. I will definitely make this again and again!” – Mandy

Get recipe
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • TikTok

Courses

Dinners
Breakfasts
Lunch
Dips & Sauces

Popular

One Pan Meal
30 Minute Meals
Meal Prep
Chicken Recipes
Back to Top
About
Contact
Privacy Policy

©

Mad About Food

|

Branding by MRD

|

Theme by OC

1152 shares