Description
This easy Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs recipe combines tender pasta rings, juicy meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce with plant-based cheese and flavorful natural sauces, making it a quick, comforting meal perfect for families on busy nights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Spaghetti rings pasta – 2 cups
Meatballs
- Ground chicken or beef – 1 lb
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Italian herbs and spices (natural) – 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp thyme
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
- Natural gelling agent – 1 tsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for browning)
Sauce
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Onion, chopped – 1 small
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Crushed tomatoes (natural sauce) – 1 can (14 oz)
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Italian herbs and spices (natural) – 1 tsp mixed oregano, basil, thyme
Finishing
- Plant-based cheese – 1/2 cup, shredded
- Olive oil (optional for drizzling) – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with minced garlic, finely chopped onions, Italian herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent. Mix gently but thoroughly to create tender meatballs. Shape into small, bite-sized balls that will cook evenly with the pasta rings.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until a golden crust forms, locking in their juiciness and developing rich flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: In another pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Add crushed tomatoes (natural sauce), apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and additional Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and intensify.
- Cook the Spaghetti Rings: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti rings pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside. The pasta should retain a slight bite to absorb the sauce well.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce, gently stir and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking the meatballs.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the cooked spaghetti rings and sprinkle plant-based cheese over the top. Let the cheese melt slowly, then serve warm inviting Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs.
Notes
- Use fresh basil or parsley to elevate aroma and flavor.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Simmer the sauce and meatballs slowly for best flavor.
- Reserve a splash of pasta water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Serve immediately after assembling for best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Spaghetti O's, Meatballs, Plant-based cheese, Quick dinner, Family meal, Gluten free pasta
