Craving a nostalgic taste of childhood but want to elevate it to gourmet status? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Homemade Spaghettios with Mini Meatballs! Packed with rich flavors and comforting textures, this dish is not just a meal; it's a heartwarming experience that will transport you back to simpler times. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a family-friendly feast that’s both fun and satisfying. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a homemade version that beats the can any day—let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of small pasta (like ditalini), 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This will form your mini meatball mixture.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20-25 meatballs.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the tomato sauce and add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Once the sauce is simmering, gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and heated properly.
- After the meatballs have simmered, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Spaghettios with mini meatballs!
Tips
- Meatball Perfection: For the juiciest mini meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they are evenly mixed for a tender bite.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the dish.
- Pasta Choices: While ditalini is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as elbows or shells, to add a fun twist to your Spaghettios.
- Simmering Sauce: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for longer if you like a deeper flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Customize Your Dish: Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and color. You can also spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Homemade Spaghettios with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
