Why You’ll Love Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
This Homemade SpaghettiOs recipe combines familiar comfort food with the flavor and satisfaction of a homemade dinner. Everything cooks in one pot, so you get a hearty meal without creating a pile of dishes.
The pasta cooks directly in the tomato sauce and broth, allowing it to absorb plenty of savory flavor as it becomes tender. Ground beef adds protein and makes the dish filling enough for dinner, while tomato paste and marinara create a rich tomato base.
It is also easy to customize. You can change the pasta shape, adjust the sweetness of the sauce, add vegetables, or leave out the beef for a meatless variation. Best of all, the entire meal is ready in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 3 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef broth, water, or a combination of the two
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 16 ounces uncooked anelli pasta, or another short pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Kosher salt, as needed
Directions
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. Watch it carefully so the garlic does not burn.
- Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and begins to caramelize. This quick step helps develop a deeper tomato flavor.
- Increase the heat to medium. Add the ground beef, Italian seasonings, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and sugar, then stir everything together until well combined.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 25 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir approximately every 5 minutes, making sure to scrape along the bottom of the pot so the pasta does not stick.
- Remove the lid and stir the SpaghettiOs. Taste the sauce and add additional salt or a little more sugar if needed.
- Spoon into bowls and serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Preparation and cooking take about 45 minutes total, making Homemade SpaghettiOs a convenient option for weeknight dinners. Because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, the exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and brand you use.
Variations
Make It Meatless
Leave out the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. The tomato sauce and pasta will still create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Add Vegetables
Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be incorporated for extra vegetables. Firmer vegetables can be sautéed before adding the beef, while spinach is best stirred in toward the end of cooking.
Use a Different Pasta
Anelli pasta creates the traditional SpaghettiOs appearance, but any small pasta shape will work. Ditalini, small shells, elbows, or mini penne are all good substitutes. Cooking times may need to be adjusted.
Make It Cheesier
Stir grated Parmesan directly into the finished pasta for a creamier, cheesier sauce. You can also add a small amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra-rich variation.
Add Some Heat
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasonings. Start with a small amount and increase according to your preference.
Try Ground Turkey
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef for a lighter variation. Since these meats are leaner, you may want to add a little extra olive oil while browning them.
Storage/Reheating
Allow leftover Homemade SpaghettiOs to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Keep in mind that the pasta will continue absorbing sauce while refrigerated, so leftovers may be considerably thicker than the freshly prepared dish.
To reheat on the stovetop, place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth, water, or marinara sauce and stir occasionally until thoroughly heated.
For individual portions, microwave the SpaghettiOs in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each interval. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can help restore the saucy consistency.
The dish can also be frozen, although the texture of the pasta may become softer after thawing. Freeze cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. What are Homemade SpaghettiOs?
Homemade SpaghettiOs are a from-scratch version of the nostalgic canned pasta dish. This recipe uses small ring-shaped pasta in a tomato-based sauce with ground beef, garlic, Italian seasonings, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. What kind of pasta should I use for Homemade SpaghettiOs?
Anelli pasta is the best option for creating the recognizable small rings. If you cannot find anelli, use another small pasta such as ditalini, elbows, small shells, or mini pasta shapes.
3. Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No. The uncooked pasta goes directly into the tomato sauce and broth. It cooks in the same pot and absorbs flavor from the sauce as it becomes tender.
4. Why is my pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Because the pasta cooks directly in a relatively thick sauce, it can settle against the bottom of the pot. Stir the mixture thoroughly about every 5 minutes during cooking, making sure your spoon reaches the bottom.
5. Can I make Homemade SpaghettiOs without ground beef?
Yes. Simply omit the beef for a meatless version. You can also replace the beef broth with vegetable broth if you want the entire dish to be meat-free.
6. Why is sugar added to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce the slightly sweet flavor associated with classic SpaghettiOs. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a more savory tomato sauce.
7. Can I use water instead of beef broth?
Yes. You can use water, beef broth, or a mixture of both. Beef broth produces a richer and more savory flavor, while water works well when you want to keep things simple.
8. How can I make the sauce thinner?
If your SpaghettiOs become thicker than you prefer, gradually stir in additional broth or water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This is especially useful when reheating leftovers.
9. Can I prepare Homemade SpaghettiOs ahead of time?
Yes, although they are best when freshly cooked because the pasta continues absorbing the sauce during storage. If making the dish ahead, you can leave the sauce slightly thinner so the pasta has additional liquid to absorb.
10. What can I serve with Homemade SpaghettiOs?
Homemade SpaghettiOs are hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. For a larger dinner, pair them with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Conclusion
Homemade SpaghettiOs turn a nostalgic childhood favorite into a hearty one-pot dinner the whole family can enjoy. Ring-shaped pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a savory-sweet tomato sauce come together for a comforting meal with plenty of homemade flavor.
With about 45 minutes from start to finish and enough for 6 servings, this recipe is especially convenient for busy weeknights. Serve it hot with grated Parmesan cheese, customize it with your favorite additions, and enjoy a satisfying homemade take on a classic comfort food.
Homemade SpaghettiOs
A comforting homemade take on classic SpaghettiOs made with tender ring pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, and savory broth. This easy one-pot meal is hearty, nostalgic, and family-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- Kosher salt, as needed
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 3 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef broth, water or a mix of the two
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 16 oz. uncooked anelli pasta (or other short pasta)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil, garlic and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 1 minute.
- Increase the heat to medium, then add the ground beef, Italian seasonings and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, breaking apart the meat with a spatula, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and sugar.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, then stir in the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pot, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring every 5 minutes to release any noodles sticking to the bottom of the pot, about 25 minutes.
- Uncover the pot, taste and season with additional salt or sugar as desired. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Anelli pasta creates the classic SpaghettiOs shape, but another small, short pasta can be substituted.
- Use beef broth for the richest flavor, water for a lighter result, or a combination of both.
- Stir the pasta regularly while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the salt and sugar to taste before serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
