Print

Spaghetti & Meatball Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

Spaghetti & Meatball Bites are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack featuring al dente spaghetti nests filled with marinara and topped with savory, tender meatballs. Baked to perfection and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these bite-sized treats combine classic Italian flavors in a convenient, handheld format perfect for parties or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Nests

  • 12 oz. spaghetti
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Cooking spray, for pan

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Garnish

  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until very al dente, approximately 8 minutes, since noodles will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Mix Spaghetti Nest Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled spaghetti with 2 beaten eggs, shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 cup marinara sauce until well combined.
  3. Form Spaghetti Nests: Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Nestle the spaghetti mixture inside each muffin cup. Use the bottom of a shot glass to firmly press down the spaghetti to create a well or cup shape for holding the meatballs.
  4. Bake Spaghetti Nests: Bake the nests at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until they are set. Let them cool slightly; if they puff up during baking, press them down again gently with the shot glass to maintain shape.
  5. Prepare Meatball Mixture: While the nests bake, in a large bowl combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced garlic, the remaining 1 large egg, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and roll into bite-sized meatballs.
  6. Cook Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs, cooking approximately 4 minutes per side. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
  7. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Pour 2 cups marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Let them simmer gently for 5 minutes to finish cooking and absorb flavors.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Spoon one meatball onto each baked spaghetti nest. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy these savory bites.

Notes

  • Using very al dente spaghetti prevents the nests from becoming too mushy after baking.
  • Pressing the nests down with a shot glass after baking helps maintain their shape for easy serving.
  • You can prepare the spaghetti nests ahead of time and bake just before serving.
  • Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adjust seasoning in the meatball mixture according to your taste preferences.
  • Ensure the skillet and oil are hot before adding meatballs to get a good sear and prevent sticking.

Keywords: spaghetti bites, meatballs, appetizer, Italian appetizer, party food, snack, baked spaghetti nests

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/spaghetti-and-meatball-bites-recipe/