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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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 muffin cups
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 220

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pasta edges are lightly crisped and golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. 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.