Description
These Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests are a fun and delicious twist on a classic dish. Tender meatballs nestled in spaghetti nests, topped with marinara sauce and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or a party!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Form into 12 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 6–8 minutes, then set aside.
- Assemble: Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the spaghetti into 12 portions, pressing each into the cups to form nests. Place a meatball in the center of each nest, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These nests are perfect for parties or family dinners.
- You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat in the oven.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
