Homemade SpaghettiOs are an easy kid friendly meal that can be made in a few minutes. Skip the canned variety and try this copycat recipe! No funky ingredients and a few hidden veggies make for this super simple picky eater recipe.
I grew up in the 90’s – prime time for processed food to make life easier. SpaghettiOs were a staple in our house.
And man, did we love it! Something about those tomato-y noodles that tasted just like the tomato soup made from the same company was magic.
A few weeks ago I was looking for easy pre-made foods I could keep on hand for emergencies. I fully believe in balance. Sometimes that includes making boxed mac and cheese healthier or digging out a can of SpaghettiOs.
But when I looked at the can, I was not on board.
What is in SpaghettiOs?
It’s what I asked that made me try to find my own copycat recipe. It also made me cringe just looking at it.
WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), ENRICHED PASTA (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, ENZYME MODIFIED CHEDDAR CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES, CALCIUM CHLORIDE], WATER, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, ENZYMES), FLAVORING, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, VEGETABLE OIL (CORN, COTTONSEED, CANOLA, AND/OR SOYBEAN), ENZYME MODIFIED BUTTER, SKIM MILK, PAPRIKA EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, ONION EXTRACT.”
That’s from the Campbell’s website. Eeek!
So instead of giving my kids this childhood favorite, I decided to try making my own. And I was pleasantly surprised at how simple and how quick it was!
Bonus: it includes a bit of sneaky carrots, so you’re getting a veggie in with this kid friendly dish!
Not sure how to make it? Check out this post on how to make veggie purees!
So, how do you make homemade SpaghettiOs?
This super simple copycat recipe takes just a few steps but tastes so good!
Step one: Cook your pasta
This is when having pre cooked pasta on hand comes in handy! When I know a busy week is coming, I love to prep some and keep in the fridge.
SpaghettiOs traditionally use anellini pasta, but it can be hard to find in stores. Really, any pasta will work. I used ditalini here, but ABC or stars would be fun.
Step two: Make the sauce.
Mix the sauce ingredients together and cook on medium until bubbling and the butter is melted.
I like to use 1/2 cup of carrot puree here because it’s a perfect spot to hide veggies. Similar to my hidden veggie spaghetti sauce, it adds a bit of sweetness and a punch of nutrients. That being said, I’ve also tried without and it’s just as good.
Step three: Stir in the pasta.
Start with about 2 cups of pasta. The “optimal” amount really depends on how much sauce to pasta you want. Serve and enjoy!
Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
This recipe is a better for you take on a childhood favorite. Homemade
If you enjoy this recipe, please remember to vote 5 stars! It helps others find it, and makes my day!
Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Homemade SpaghettiOs are an easy kid friendly meal that can be made in a few minutes. Skip the canned variety and try this copycat recipe! No funky ingredients and a few hidden veggies make for this super simple picky eater recipe.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons grated cheese see notes
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup carrot puree (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Cooked pasta
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, add the sauce ingredients, other than the pasta and salt.
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Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until butter is melted and sauce is bubbling.
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Add to pasta and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- I’ve used parmesan cheese as well as sharp cheddar. American would work as well!
- Sweetener – you can use sugar, honey, maple syrup, or whatever you like. I’ve found sugar and have the best taste.
- Traditionally, you’d want to use Anellini pasta, but it’s hard to find in stores. The closest you’ll find in most stores is ditalini, which I used here. You can also use ABC pasta, star pasta.. whatever makes you happy!
- Start with 2 cups of pasta in the sauce. I used a whole box of ditalini, but the coverage of sauce to pasta was less than canned Spaghettios.
J says
Two picky eaters loved this!
I juiced carrots, yellow and orange bell peppers, cherries, kale and spinach for the 1/2 cup vegetable purée. I also increased the sweetener to 2 Tablespoons. It turned out perfect, my picky eaters did not suspect any vegetables but they ate them! Tastes exactly like the processed brand name without all the added preservatives, awesome healthy version and easy to make
Morgan says
Oh gosh!! This totally made my day – so glad your kiddos loved it as much as mine!! Hidden veggies for the win!
Susana says
So I have a question? What tomato sauce did you use? Really want to make this for my picky eater.
Morgan says
Hey Susana! I usually just grab whatever is on sale at the grocery store. You’ll find it with the canned tomatoes. It’s just tomato sauce, not crushed or diced, etc.