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

1. Add the frozen meatballs to a large slow cooker. Top with sauce, broth, and spices.
2. Cook on low, covered, for 5-6 hours.
3. 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

Homemade Spaghettios with Meatballs

4.60 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 440kcal

Author: Emily Grace

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

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 1964mg | Potassium: 865mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 10.5mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 3.1mg

Did you make this recipe? Mention @GraceGoodEats or tag #graceandgoodeats!