Print

Crispy Spaghetti and Meatball Cups

Crispy Spaghetti and Meatball Cups - featured image
Print Recipe

Golden, crispy spaghetti nests cradle savory meatballs and rich tomato sauce for a fun, crowd-pleasing dinner party dish. These bite-sized cups deliver classic Italian comfort food in a portable, crunchy form that’s perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz dried spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing muffin pan)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken/plant-based alternative)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Extra chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil, parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Divide spaghetti mixture among muffin cups, pressing into base and up sides to form nests.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Divide meatball mixture into 12 portions and roll into balls. Place one meatball in each spaghetti nest.
  7. Spoon about 2 tbsp marinara sauce over each meatball. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and spaghetti edges are golden and crispy. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  9. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around edges to loosen, then lift out each cup.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm. Serve extra marinara on the side if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, par-bake the spaghetti nests for 5 minutes before adding meatballs and sauce. Use parchment strips for easier removal if your pan is older. Make ahead by prepping nests and meatballs, then bake before serving. Adapt with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian swaps as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti cups, meatball cups, party food, Italian, dinner party, crispy pasta, comfort food, easy appetizer, kid friendly, make ahead

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/crispy-spaghetti-and-meatball-cups-recipe-for-easy-dinner-parties/