Cheesy Sausage Spaghetti Hoops

Whether you call them ‘spaghetti rings’, ‘spaghetti hoops’ or ‘spaghetti o’s’, we all know what we’re talking about here. I’m not even in the slightest bit ashamed to say I am partial to a tin of spaghetti hoops here and there. On toast with some cheese? You know it makes sense. This recipe is heavily inspired by that, just with a slightly more ‘gourmet’ twist. Almost like Spaghetti and Meatballs! Follow me…

Sausage Meatballs

Spaghetti hoops are great, but spaghetti hoops and sausages are even better. Although always slightly wary, as do we know if it’s actually pork used in those sausages? Not in the slightest. But today we’re using actual pork sausage – promise 😅

Mini Sausage Meatballs

I love adding some mini meatballs in with the spaghetti hoops. To make the meatballs, just squeeze out lots of tiny chunks from a pork sausage, then roll them into balls. I find it easiest to wet my hands before rolling them, just to prevent the meat from sticking to your hands. From there, just fry them until deep golden all over. Building up a crust on the meatballs is important to develop flavour (they don’t need to be completely cooked through in the first instance). Process shots: roll meatballs (photos 1&2), fry (photos 3&4)

One Pot Spaghetti Hoops

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all made in one pot. No boiling the pasta separately – it’s cooked in the pot with all the other ingredients!

Anellini Pasta (spaghetti hoops)

Or Anelli, I can’t figure out which way it’s spelt as I’ve bought it with both pronunciations on the packet (please feel free to correct me in comments). Basically, this is a hoop-shaped pasta and what we’ll be using in this recipe.

Where can I find Anelli pasta?

You’ll find it in Italian Grocers or online. I haven’t found it in supermarkets before, but you might be lucky! If you can’t find it, just sub for other tiny pasta i.e. elbow macaroni. The sauce itself is really simple. It’s tomato based and flavoured with rosemary and basil. The sauce is created with crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, which provides enough liquid for the pasta to cook too. Process shots: fry shallots (photo 1), fry rosemary and garlic (photo 2), fry tomato puree (photo 3), add crushed tomatoes, water, chicken stock, pasta, sausage and basil (photo 4).

Cheesy Spaghetti Hoops

Originally when I first tested this recipe, I left it without cheese. I know, criminal. But this recipe really does invite itself to copious amounts of cheese, and that’s exactly how it ended up.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Once the pasta has cooked and the sauce is thick, I like stirring through some parmesan for a boost of flavour. I then top with mozzarella and more parmesan and pop it under the grill until golden and bubbly. Process shots: add parmesan (photo 1), stir (photo 2), add parmesan and mozzarella (photo 3), grill (photo 4).

What other kind of sausage could I use?

I use regular Cumberland sausages, however you can use different ones if you fancy. I recommend pork, as it pairs with the flavours best, but I imagine beef would also work. In all cases you want some good quality and fatty sausages, just for maximum flavour. If you don’t have access to sausages use minced/ground sausage meat. From there use a tsp to scoop the meat before rolling it into meatballs.

Do I have to add sausage?

The sausage adds heaps of flavour, so I highly recommend adding! If you’re short on time just use scissors to cut the sausages into small pieces instead of rolling the meatballs.

What if I can’t find Anelli?

You can sub any other type of small pasta. I tested this with elbow macaroni which worked just fine!

Serving Spaghetti Hoops & Sausages

To serve, I recommend adding some Garlic Bread (or Cheesy Garlic Bread, or even Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread!) just for some extra carby goodness. Although it’s completely optional. I wouldn’t recommend making this ahead of time, but you can certainly store leftovers! Just allow to completely cool and tightly store in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat until piping hot in the microwave. For another sausage meatball recipe check out my Gnocchi & Sausage Meatballs! Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this cheesy sausage spaghetti hoops shall we?!