Home Food Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs Recipe

Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs Recipe

By
Charlotte Brooks
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Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs made in the slow cooker! It’s a childhood favorite that you’ll love any any age.

Everyone needs a few kid friendly recipes that adults will love, too. My Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it! And of course a batch of easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is always a hit too.

Spaghettios and meatballs in a white slow cooker.

Why This Recipe Works

Put down the can. Make these homemade copycat spaghetti-o’s in the slow cooker instead!

  • This is an easy twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs.
  • Made with ditalini noodles, just like the original spaghettios.
  • No added sugar or preservatives!
  • You can use store bought meatballs, turkey meatballs, zucchini meatballs, or your favorite meatball recipe.
  • Only 5 minutes of prep time.
  • Let it cook all day long and sit down to a delicious meal at dinner time!

I recently tasted a bite of canned spaghetti-os for the first time in ages. I’d totally forgotten how downright SWEET they taste.

This homemade version is so much better. All the nostalgic qualities of the one I loved as a kid with just the natural sweet and tangy tomato flavor shining through.

A few dried herbs and seasonings are all you need to make the dish complete!

For more comfort food, be sure to try our chili mac recipe next!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make spaghettios and meatballs.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Here’s what you need to make perfect imitation spaghetti-os from scratch (well, almost from scratch).

  • Meatballs – I made my favorite turkey meatballs for this recipe. Frozen cooked meatballs work well too, so don’t sweat it if you’re in a hurry.
  • Tomato sauce – The plain, canned variety with no added flavorings or sugar.
  • Herbs – Dried basil, oregano and garlic salt add the perfect flavor to the tomato sauce.
  • Ditalini noodles – Small round noodles that resemble the “O” shape of “Spaghetti-Os”. If you can’t find them, just use any bite sized pasta variety.
Step by step photos showing how to make spaghettios and meatballs.

Tips and Tricks

  • Using frozen meatballs? No need to heat them first! Just add them to the slow cooker with the sauce and herbs.
  • Add the uncooked noodles to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
  • Serve homemade spaghettios and meatballs with homemade olive garden breadsticks and an Olive Garden Salad.
Spaghettios and meatballs served in a white bowls.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, omit the meatballs. Or use your favorite plant-based meatballs instead!

Can I add cheese?

Cheese is always a tasty topping for pasta! Grate fresh parmesan or mozzarella over each bowl of spaghetti-os before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Transfer the leftover pasta and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.

What’s the difference between spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce?

Tomato sauce contains only tomatoes which have been cooked down to a liquid consistency (sometimes with added water). Spaghetti sauce is tomato sauce enhanced with added flavorings like herbs, garlic and spices.
I use plain tomato sauce in this crockpot recipe, then add my own seasonings!

Serving Suggestions

Looking for the perfect side dish for your meatball subs?

This simple Italian Salad with homemade Italian Dressing is our favorite weeknight side dish. It’s the perfect green salad.

Treat your dinner guests or potluck friends and family to an Easy Taffy Apple Salad recipe. Made with apples, pineapple, whipped cream, peanuts & more. 

Looking for a fresh bowl of homemade applesauce for dinner tonight? This Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is super quick and easy!

Spaghettios and meatballs with a spoon.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

  • In a large slow cooker, add frozen (or fresh) cooked meatballs. Top with sauce, broth, oregano, garlic, basil and salt. Simmer on low, covered, for 5-6 hours.

  • Half hour before serving, add the noodles. Stir into the sauce, cover, and let cook.

  • Serve dinner with breadsticks and salad! ENJOY

  • Using frozen meatballs? No need to heat them first! Just add them to the slow cooker with the sauce and herbs.
  • Add the uncooked noodles to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
  • Serve homemade spaghettios and meatballs with homemade olive garden breadsticks and a side salad.
  • See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.

Calories: 127kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 1229mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g

Feel like a kid again with this easy slow cooker spaghettios recipe!

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