Tangy Homemade Spicy Meatball Spaghettios Recipe to Wow Kids

Comfort food just got a gourmet upgrade with these incredible homemade spicy meatball SpaghettiOs that pack a serious flavor punch.

Childhood memories collide with bold adult tastes in this reimagined classic dish.

Each tender meatball brings a delightful kick to the familiar pasta rings we all know and love.

The sauce simmers with robust seasonings that dance across your palate with every single bite.

Crafted from scratch, these SpaghettiOs deliver a seriously satisfying meal that beats any canned version hands down.

Let’s find out this nostalgic yet elevated recipe that turns a simple childhood favorite into a crave-worthy dinner everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 36 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Spicy Meatball Homemade SpaghettiOs Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Gives rich, meaty flavor with ideal fat content for juicy meatballs.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and creates smooth texture.
• Bread Crumbs: Adds structure and helps retain moisture in meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides deep, salty umami taste and helps meatballs hold shape.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, sharp flavor that elevates meat's natural taste.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to meatball mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal note and beautiful green color.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.

• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and enhances overall meat flavor.
• Coarse Salt: Intensifies seasoning and helps balance other ingredients.

• Anelletti Pasta: Classic ring-shaped pasta that captures sauce perfectly.
• Arrabbiata Sauce: Spicy tomato sauce that provides bold, zesty kick.
• Olives: Introduces briny, tangy element to complement rich meatballs.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture and extra flavor boost.

Tools for Making SpaghettiOs with Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Baking sheet or roasting pan: Essential for evenly baking meatballs with raised edges to catch drippings.
• Fork: Helps mix meatball ingredients and form uniform balls.
• Measuring spoon: Ensures consistent tablespoon-sized meatballs.
• Large saucepan: Ideal for heating sauce and combining pasta and meatballs.
• Pasta pot: Needed for cooking pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.
• Cheese grater: Great for sprinkling fresh mozzarella or Parmesan on top.

How to Cook Spicy SpaghettiOs from Scratch

• Meatball Preparation

Gather ground meat and seasonings in a roomy mixing bowl. Gently shape small round clusters without compressing them too tightly. These little flavor bombs will become the heart of your meal.

• Baking Magic

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange meat clusters with enough space between them to ensure even cooking. Slide the pan into a preheated oven until the exterior turns golden and centers become completely cooked through.

• Sauce Symphony

While meatballs bake, warm tomato sauce in a spacious pan. Stir softly and let aromatics develop, creating a rich base that will coat every pasta strand. Consider adding fresh herbs for extra depth.

• Pasta Performance

Cook noodles in salted water until they reach that perfect tender-yet-firm consistency. Drain carefully, reserving a splash of cooking liquid to help sauce cling beautifully.

• Delicious Assembly

Combine baked meatballs, tender pasta, and warm sauce in one magnificent pan. Gently fold ingredients together, allowing flavors to dance and meld into a comforting culinary experience.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly grated cheese on top. Serve immediately while everything remains steamy and inviting, ready to transport dinner guests to flavor paradise.

Flavor Tips for Sauce and Meatball Heat

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Add breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan to help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme in your meatball mixture. Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can boost the heat for spice lovers.
• Replace traditional tomato sauce with marinara, arrabbiata, or even a creamy vodka sauce for a unique twist. Roasted red pepper sauce adds a smoky depth to the dish.
• Sneak in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition. Toss roasted vegetables directly into the sauce for added texture and flavor.
• Beyond mozzarella and Parmesan, try crumbled feta, ricotta, or a sprinkle of blue cheese to create exciting flavor combinations that elevate the entire dish.

Serving Homemade SpaghettiOs for Kids and Adults

• Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a cozy meal that brings comfort and warmth. Kids will love the homemade twist on their favorite childhood pasta, and parents can enjoy a nostalgic yet upgraded version of SpaghettiOs.
• Game Day Feast: Perfect for sports enthusiasts who want a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to serve and satisfying. Pair with crusty garlic bread and a cold beverage for the ultimate game-watching experience.
• Italian-Inspired Potluck: Bring this crowd-pleasing pasta to your next gathering, where it's sure to become the star of the meal. The spicy meatballs and rich sauce will have everyone asking for seconds and your recipe.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch and store individual portions for quick, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. The meatballs and sauce keep wonderfully in the refrigerator, making busy weekdays a breeze.

Storage Tips for SpaghettiO Leftovers

• Quick Batch Cooking: Whip up double the meatball recipe and freeze half for future speedy dinners. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Lunch Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks. These homemade SpaghettiOs travel well and taste just as delicious when reheated.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the entire dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and contents, ensuring maximum freshness for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Hearty Meatball Homemade Spaghettios Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade spaghettios with spicy meatballs deliver nostalgic comfort with grown-up flavor. Pasta swimming in zesty tomato sauce and tender meatballs will satisfy both kids and adults at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) ground beef (80-85%)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps onion (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (crushed between fingertips)
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 tsp fresh black pepper
• 0.5 tsp coarse salt
• 8 oz (226 g) anelletti pasta
• 1 can extra large olives (sliced)
• 1 or more jars of good quality arrabbiata sauce
• Mozzarella or parmesan cheese for grating on top

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Blend ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold ingredients gently with a fork until uniformly combined.
2. Shaping and Positioning: Craft bite-sized spherical meatballs and arrange them on a lightly oiled baking sheet with spacing between each piece.
3. Roasting Process: Slide meatballs into a 400°F oven, rotating midway through 15-16 minutes of cooking. Confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
4. Pasta Preparation: Cook spaghetti in salted water until achieving al dente consistency. Drain completely using a colander.
5. Sauce Development: Heat tomato sauce in a substantial pan over medium temperature. Incorporate black olives and allow flavors to merge for several minutes.
6. Combining Components: Transfer roasted meatballs into simmering sauce, then carefully fold cooked pasta throughout the mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating.
7. Serving Finale: Plate the spaghetti and meatballs, finishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ingredients gently with a fork to prevent overworking, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee meatballs reach 160°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Spacing Strategy: Leave 1-inch gaps between meatballs on the baking sheet for even heat circulation and consistent browning.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Allow olives to infuse tomato sauce for 3-4 minutes to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg