Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs
Made with just six simple ingredients, this Homemade Spaghettios with Meatballs is perfect for school lunches. Even better, it’s made in the slow cooker!
Back-to-school is here, friends! It’s the last weekend of summer. I hope you have all of the school supplies labeled, first day clothes all laid out, and lunchboxes ready to pack! I may not be able to help you with the first two, but I’m sharing a recipe today for Homemade Spaghettios with Meatballs that is sure to be a hit in your kiddos’ lunches. (Even better, it’s a slow cooker meal!).
There’s something nostalgic about Spaghettios and Meatballs; it reminds me of summers spent at my grandparents house playing card games and building forts in their sun-room. This homemade version has all the flavors of the original, with only a few simple ingredients. Send this family favorite to school in a thermos to keep warm and treat your kids to a hot lunch beyond the boring sandwich.
Ingredients for Spaghettios with Meatballs
Believe it or not, making homemade spaghettios requires very few ingredients! Here’s what’s used in this recipe:
- Frozen meatballs
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Salt
- Italian seasoning
- Noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Spaghettios with Meatballs
- Add the frozen meatballs to a large slow cooker. Top with sauce, broth, and spices.
- Cook on low, covered, for 5-6 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir the noodles and Parmesan into the sauce and continue cooking.
What Type of Meatballs Should I Use?
Any variety of frozen meatballs will work! I used regular sized, but if you can get your hands on mini meatballs those would work too. I haven’t tried it using homemade meatballs, but I would assume that would work fine if they were frozen first.
Can I Make This on the Stovetop?
Sure thing! Add the meatballs and sauce to a large pot and let simmer for about 45 minutes before adding in the pasta and cheese.
Tips for Making Homemade Spaghettios
- I used Texas-shaped pasta for this because… well, Texas… but feel free to use whatever small noodle you prefer.
- The noodles get added to the sauce uncooked. They take about 30 minutes to cook in the slow cooker!
- This recipe makes about 6 servings. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the microwave!
More Kid-Friendly Lunches:
- Instant Pot Tomato Soup
- Four Cheese Bacon Mac
- Southwest Chili Mac
- Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Salad with Grapes
Ingredients
- 1 pkg frozen meatballs (about 30)
- 2 (15oz) cans tomato sauce
- 32 oz beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz noodles
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese , grated
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to a large slow cooker.
- Top with sauce, broth, and spices.
- Simmer on low, covered, for 5-6 hours.
- Half hour before serving, stir the noodles and Parmesan into the sauce and let continue cooking.
Hello!
Can I just say I would still eat spaghettios all of the time if my adult friends wouldn’t make fun of me..? With that being said, can’t wait to have this “adult” version tonight!
Quick question, I do not cook the noodles before adding them to the crockpot – correct?
Haha- I’m with you! No need to cook the noodles first, just add the dry noodles to the crockpot. Hope you enjoy!
Well…. I loved it! It was totally satisfying, this recipe made a ton for leftovers. I will be making it again!