Description

This comforting and flavorful Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs recipe combines tender ring-shaped pasta in a rich tomato sauce with savory, juicy meatballs, plant-based cheese, and smoked turkey slices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fun family meals, it offers warmth and satisfaction with a nostalgic twist that delights all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

1 cup Spaghetti O’s pasta
1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) (natural)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based)

Meatballs

1/2 pound ground turkey (replacing ground beef)
2 smoked turkey slices, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the meatballs mixture: Combine ground turkey, chopped smoked turkey slices, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined for tender, flavorful meatballs.
Shape and cook the meatballs: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the meatballs, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, add more olive oil, then sauté additional garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Pour in tomato sauce (natural), add apple cider vinegar (natural), and sprinkle in Italian herbs. Let simmer for 10 minutes to deepen flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce: Cook Spaghetti O’s pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the simmering tomato sauce. Stir in plant-based cheese (plant-based) until melted and creamy.
Add meatballs and finish: Gently fold cooked meatballs into the pasta and sauce mixture. Let flavors meld together over low heat for a few minutes before serving hot.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
Adjust sauce thickness with water or additional tomato sauce (natural) if needed.
Allow meatballs to rest briefly after cooking to maintain juiciness.
Taste and adjust seasoning for perfect balance of salt and acidity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Spaghetti O's, meatballs, tomato sauce, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey, quick dinner, comfort food, family meal