Description
This easy and comforting Spaghetti O’s with Meatballs recipe features tender plant-based cheese, savory smoked turkey bacon, and soft pasta rings in a rich tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines nostalgic flavors with a modern, wholesome twist. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it offers a satisfying, cozy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme), chopped
- Pinch of salt
Sauce
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups spaghetti rings (pasta)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (plant-based)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground beef or turkey with finely chopped onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and shape into small, uniform meatballs for even cooking. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté until crisp and fragrant. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the skillet.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped garlic and onions. Cook until translucent and fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, fresh basil, and oregano. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent to achieve a smooth, velvety sauce texture and stir to combine.
- Cook the Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add the prepared meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti rings and cook until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Add Plant-Based Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce with the meatballs. Add the crispy smoked turkey bacon and mix gently. Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese on top and allow it to melt gently with the residual heat before serving.
Notes
- Roll meatballs uniformly in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Simmer meatballs gently in the sauce to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to balance acidity and brightness.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten and freshen the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Spaghetti O's, meatballs, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, quick dinner, gluten-free
