Delicious Meatball Tomato Spaghetti: Quick & Easy with Jarred Sauce!
Super Simple Homemade Meatball Spaghetti Recipe using Store-Bought Tomato Sauce (with Noodle Cooking Tips)
While our family usually sticks to Korean cuisine, we occasionally enjoy spaghetti as a special treat, especially for the kids who love tomato sauce. Using a good quality store-bought tomato sauce allows for a quick and elegant pasta dish by simply adding ingredients like bacon, ham, or shrimp. This time, I decided to use frozen meatballs from my freezer to create a hearty and satisfying meatball spaghetti. Store-bought products and meal kits can be incredibly useful! Let’s get started on making delicious meatball spaghetti with jarred tomato sauce and frozen meatballs. This recipe is designed to be easy enough for even beginner cooks!
Main Ingredients- 1 bottle Store-bought Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/2 head Broccoli
- 1 plateful Frozen Meatballs
- 4 handfuls Spaghetti Noodles (approx. 2 servings)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the spaghetti noodles. Using plenty of water and adding 1 tablespoon of salt helps prevent the noodles from sticking together and seasons them perfectly.
Step 2
Prepare the ingredients to accompany the spaghetti. Peel and thinly slice the 1/4 onion. Wash the 1/2 head of broccoli and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Check if your frozen meatballs can be cooked directly without thawing, and have them ready. (It’s best to follow the product instructions regarding thawing; this recipe assumes meatballs that can be cooked from frozen.)
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Gently cooking it will release a wonderful aroma.
Step 4
Meanwhile, once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti noodles. Add 4 handfuls of spaghetti (about 2 servings) and stir well with chopsticks or tongs to prevent clumping. Refer to the package instructions for cooking time, but typically 7-10 minutes is standard.
Step 5
Add the sliced onions, broccoli florets, and frozen meatballs to the pan with the fragrant garlic. Sauté everything together until the meatballs start to cook and the vegetables soften slightly, giving the meatballs a light golden color.
Step 6
Lightly sprinkle some salt over the vegetables as they sauté to enhance their flavor. Be mindful not to add too much, as you can adjust the seasoning later with the sauce.
Step 7
Stir and cook all the ingredients together in the pan. Ensure the meatballs don’t stick to the bottom of the pan and cook evenly.
Step 8
Once the meatballs and vegetables are partially cooked, pour in the prepared store-bought tomato spaghetti sauce. Using a sauce with a rich, fresh tomato flavor will result in a more delicious dish.
Step 9
Add the entire bottle of tomato sauce (about 4 servings) to the pan. Ladle in about 2 cups of pasta water (the starchy water the noodles were boiled in) to help emulsify the sauce and create a silky consistency. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 10
Once the sauce is simmering and has reached a nice consistency, add the spaghetti noodles, which should have been cooking for about 7 minutes. Toss the noodles directly into the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.
Step 11
Toss the pasta vigorously in the pan with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. This process allows the noodles to absorb the sauce beautifully and finish cooking in the sauce, resulting in a perfectly al dente texture. Your delicious meatball spaghetti, made with store-bought tomato sauce, is now complete!
Step 12
Carefully plate the spaghetti first,
Step 13
then generously top it with the sautéed meatballs and vegetables. A final sprinkle of parsley adds a lovely touch, making for a visually appealing and delicious meatball spaghetti.
Step 14
Thanks to the convenience of store-bought tomato sauce and frozen meatballs, I was able to whip up a satisfying meal in no time. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy delicious pasta on busy days.
Step 15
This recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to create meatball spaghetti that the whole family will love. Make your regular days feel special with this delightful dish!
