Description
Tender, juicy meatballs tucked into golden baked spaghetti nests, topped with melted mozzarella and tangy marinara for a playful, comforting dinner or party-ready appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined and form into 12 even meatballs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs lightly on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Toss the cooked al dente spaghetti with 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella so the pasta is lightly coated.
- Using tongs, twirl portions of the sauced spaghetti into each greased muffin cup to form nests, pressing gently to make a small well in the center of each nest.
- Place one browned meatball into the center of each spaghetti nest. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over each meatball and sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes, then carefully lift nests from the tin and serve warm with extra marinara if desired.
Notes
- Cook spaghetti al dente so the nests hold their shape and do not become mushy.
- Grease the muffin tin well or use parchment circles to prevent sticking.
- Let nests rest briefly before removing from the tin so they set and hold together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg