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Homemade SpaghettiOs with Mini Meatballs

If you have a picky toddler at home, you have to give these homemade SpaghettiOs with mini meatballs a try! This is my homemade version of a childhood favorite, made with mini meatballs, little pasta rings, and a flavorful tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients  

For the Mini Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the SpaghettiOs

  • 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
  • 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 carton 32 oz chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp sugar
  • 2 cups dry ring-shaped pasta Anellini or Anelletti
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mini Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until everything is well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Using a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon, scoop out the meat mixture and roll into mini meatballs. I love using a teaspoon to keep the meatballs small and consistent in size, especially for little ones!
  4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Ground beef should reach 160°F and ground turkey 165°F.
  5. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Homemade SpaghettiOs

  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, combine the pasta sauce, petite diced tomatoes (including the juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
  2. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the dry ring-shaped pasta directly to the sauce mixture and stir well.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking time will vary depending on the pasta brand.
  5. Once the pasta is tender, add the cooked mini meatballs back into the pot and gently stir to combine.
  6. If desired, stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  7. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool to a toddler-safe serving temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the meatballs mini! Using a teaspoon makes it easy to create smaller, evenly sized meatballs. Cut or mash them further as needed for your toddler's chewing ability.
  • Watch the pasta closely. Ring-shaped pasta cooks quickly, so stir occasionally and check for doneness to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust the consistency. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Make it freezer-friendly. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for an easy weeknight meal.
  • For little ones: Consider using no-salt-added tomatoes and lower-sodium broth, and adjust the seasonings to your family's preference.