These Spaghetti and Meatballs Muffin Bites are a delightful and innovative twist on the classic Italian dish. Perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer, these bite-sized muffins are filled with flavorful spaghetti and meatballs, baked to perfection in a muffin tin. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 250g spaghetti
- 500g ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Take one strand of cooked spaghetti and wrap it around a meatball. Place the spaghetti-wrapped meatball into one of the muffin cups. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and spaghetti.
- Pour a spoonful of the tomato sauce over each spaghetti and meatball muffin bite.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each muffin cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Allow the muffin bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated from Italian immigrants in the early 20th century.
The first recorded recipe for spaghetti and meatballs dates back to the late 19th century and can be found in the famous Italian cookbook 'La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiar bene' by Pellegrino Artusi.
In Italy, spaghetti and meatballs is not commonly served as a single dish. Spaghetti is usually served with a separate meatball dish known as 'polpette'.
Adding spaghetti and meatballs to muffin cups is a creative way to make this traditional dish more portable and fun for parties or appetizers.