Homemade Spaghettios (One Pot Recipe)

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of Homemade Spaghettios, especially when it’s made from scratch in one pot and packed with tender mini meatballs and cozy pasta rings. This recipe brings back childhood nostalgia but upgrades it with real ingredients, rich tomato flavor, and a creamy, savory sauce that both kids and adults genuinely love. It’s the kind of meal that saves busy weeknights, makes family dinners stress-free, and fills your kitchen with irresistible, comforting aromas.

Unlike the canned version, these homemade Spaghettios for dinner are hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Even better, everything comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights
• Made with real, wholesome ingredients
• Kid-approved but flavorful enough for adults
• Creamy, comforting, and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with different pasta or meat options

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

• Beef broth – Forms the savory base of the sauce and adds depth
• Half and half – Adds creaminess without making the sauce heavy
• Worcestershire-style sauce (halal-friendly) – Enhances umami flavor (use a halal-certified version or substitute soy sauce)
• Yellow mustard – Adds subtle tang and balances the tomato flavor
• Chicken bouillon cube (halal) – Boosts overall savory richness
• Dried oregano, basil, and parsley – Classic herbs that give the sauce its Italian-inspired flavor

Mini Meatballs

• Ground beef (halal) – Juicy, flavorful protein for the meatballs
• Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs – Keep the meatballs tender
• Half and half or milk – Adds moisture
• Egg – Binds the meatballs together
• Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth and richness
• Garlic – Brings bold, aromatic flavor
• Italian seasoning, salt, and onion powder – Season the meat perfectly

Pasta & Finishing Ingredients

• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce base
• Garlic – Builds flavor from the start
• Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce
• Tomato sauce – Creates the signature Spaghettios taste
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese – Thickens and finishes the sauce
• Anellini pasta – The classic pasta shape for homemade Spaghettios

How to Make Homemade Spaghettios

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

Combine the beef broth, half and half, Worcestershire-style sauce, mustard, bouillon, and dried herbs in a large measuring cup. Set aside so it’s ready to go when needed. Measuring everything ahead of time keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Make the Mini Meatballs

Add all meatball ingredients to a large bowl and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into small ¾-inch meatballs so they cook quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. For extra color, broil briefly at the end, keeping a close eye on them. Set aside once done.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Slowly pour in the prepared sauce mixture and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the sauce to a boil, then add the Anellini pasta. Cook uncovered according to package instructions, stirring along the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Taste the pasta before moving on to ensure it’s perfectly tender.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the baked meatballs to the pot and gently stir. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and get ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• Keep meatballs small so they stay tender and evenly cooked
• Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Spaghettios: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Chicken Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground chicken
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess
• Vegetable Boost: Add finely diced carrots or spinach to the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve these easy homemade Spaghettios with garlic bread, cheesy toast, or warm olive oil bread for dipping. A simple cucumber or side salad also works beautifully to balance the richness.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and tastes just as good the next day.

Can I freeze homemade Spaghettios?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

What pasta can I use if I don’t have Anellini?
Ditalini or any small pasta with a similar cook time works great.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The flavors are mild, creamy, and comforting.

Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, but it adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

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Final Thoughts

This homemade Spaghettios recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to come from a can. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of real flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prep for the week ahead. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share how it turned out. If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it and come back for more easy, comforting dinner ideas.