Baked Spaghetti & Meatball Muffin Cups
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs with these Baked Spaghetti & Meatball Muffin Cups. These innovative single-serving cups allow you to enjoy all the flavors of this beloved dish without the hassle of traditional plating. Crunchy on the outside with a cheesy, savory filling, each cup is packed with seasoned meatballs nestled in a nest of spaghetti, all bathed in aromatic pesto and topped with melty mozzarella. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a fun family dinner, these muffin cups are not only delicious but also make for a charming and tidy presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
basil leaves
3 cups (fresh, packed)
toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
garlic clove
1 (chopped)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for pesto)
kosher salt
to taste
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
milk
1/3 cup
ground beef
3/4 lb
finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
additional grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (for frying meatballs)
spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked, drained and rinsed with cold water)
pesto sauce
1/2 cup
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup
additional grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Spaghetti & Meatball Muffin Cups?
They are a delightful twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, served as single-serving portions baked in a muffin tin for a crunchy exterior and cheesy interior.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 23 ingredients, including components for the pesto, the meatballs, and the spaghetti nests.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of spaghetti, which should be cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water before assembly.
What kind of meat is used for the meatballs?
This recipe uses 3/4 lb of ground beef to create the seasoned meatballs.
Is there a surprise inside the meatballs?
Yes, each meatball is stuffed with a 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese for a melty, savory center.
What ingredients make up the homemade pesto?
The pesto is made from fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
How is the spaghetti held together in the muffin tin?
The cooked spaghetti is mixed with 1/2 cup of pesto sauce, two lightly beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese to bind it together.
Are the meatballs baked or fried?
The meatballs are first fried in 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil until browned before being placed into the spaghetti cups for baking.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for the meatball mixture.
How is the final dish garnished?
The muffin cups are topped with additional grated mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can these be served at a party?
Absolutely! They are perfect for parties as they provide a tidy, single-serving presentation and can be eaten as finger food.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these muffin cups are excellent for meal prep as they are easily portioned and transportable.
How many eggs are needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 eggs in total: one for the meatball mixture and two for the spaghetti binder.
What is the texture of the finished muffin cups?
The exterior of the spaghetti nests becomes crunchy when baked, while the inside remains soft, cheesy, and savory.
What seasonings are added to the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with Italian seasoning, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Do I need to toast the pine nuts?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts for the pesto to enhance the flavor.
How much mozzarella is used for the topping?
A total of 1 cup of grated mozzarella is used in the spaghetti mixture, with an additional 1/4 cup reserved specifically for the topping.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making it?
While the recipe provides ingredients for fresh pesto, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of high-quality store-bought pesto sauce.
Why is the spaghetti rinsed with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together too much, making them easier to mix with the binder.
Is milk used in the meatballs?
Yes, 1/3 cup of milk is combined with the breadcrumbs and ground beef to ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender.
What kind of salt is recommended for the pesto?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt to taste when preparing the basil pesto.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of ground beef to make the meatballs for the muffin cups.
What is the primary herb used in this recipe?
Fresh basil is the primary herb, with 3 packed cups used for the pesto, along with fresh parsley in the meatballs.
Are these cups considered Italian cuisine?
They are a fusion or innovative take on traditional Italian flavors, utilizing classic ingredients like pasta, pesto, and meatballs.
How do you prepare the garlic for the pesto?
One clove of garlic should be finely chopped before being blended into the pesto mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional for this dish, you could experiment with provolone or fontina for different melting profiles.
How much olive oil is needed for the pesto?
The pesto requires 1/2 cup of olive oil to achieve the correct consistency.
Is the recipe easy for families?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and 'family dinner,' making it approachable for home cooks.
What size should the mozzarella cubes be for stuffing?
The mozzarella cheese should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes to fit perfectly inside the small meatballs.
What is the benefit of the muffin cup format?
The format provides a tidy presentation, built-in portion control, and an increased surface area for the spaghetti to become crispy.