Spaghetti Meatball Muffin Cups

Get all the comfort of spaghetti and meatballs in one delicious, cheesy, and portable bite-sized cup! Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prep.

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keyword: easy dinner ideas, Finger Foods, Meatballs, pasta recipes

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 40

Servings: muffin cups

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Base:

8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente and cooled slightly
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups marinara sauce, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

12 cooked mini or standard meatballs (beef, turkey, or pork)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Muffin Pan:

Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
Make the Spaghetti Base: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Form the Nests: Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the noodles against the bottom and sides, creating a well in the center of each cup.
Fill & Top: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce into each nest. Place one cooked meatball in the center of each cup. Top with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pasta edges are lightly crisped and golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Let the muffin pan cool for 5–7 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges to lift them out. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

Let them rest: Give the muffin pan five to seven minutes to cool down after baking so the pasta cups hold their shape before you try to lift them out.
Grease well: Do not skip heavily greasing your muffin tin with cooking spray or oil so the melted cheese and noodles release easily.
Customize your meat: Feel free to swap beef meatballs for turkey or pork depending on what you have sitting in your fridge.

Nutrition