Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie Bites are a fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. Perfect for parties or a family snack, they combine tender spaghetti nests with savory meatballs and rich marinara sauce in bite-sized portions.

The image shows several small nests of thin yellow pasta, baked to a light golden crisp, each shaped like a cup on a white plate. On top of each pasta nest sits a round, rich brown meatball covered in thick red tomato sauce. The meatballs are garnished with small pieces of grated white cheese and tiny green herb sprinkles. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface, with the focus on the meatballs and pasta nests in the front, slightly blurring those further back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg, well-beaten
  • 24 pieces frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups spaghetti or marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spray a 24-hole mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to package directions. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Gently toss until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to form nests.
  5. Step 5: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the nests are set.
  6. Step 6: While baking, combine the spaghetti sauce and thawed meatballs in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce is boiling.
  7. Step 7: Remove the spaghetti nests from the oven and top each with meatballs and sauce.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to suit dietary preferences.
  • Try adding chopped basil or oregano to the spaghetti mixture for extra flavor.
  • Mini mozzarella balls can be placed inside the nests before baking for a cheesy surprise.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

This image shows a metal baking tray with twelve small nests made of baked, golden-yellow pasta strands. Each nest is formed by thin pasta shaped into a circular, slightly raised pile inside the round cups of the tray. The pasta is mostly soft with some slightly crispy, browned edges, giving a textured look with a mix of straight and curled pasta strands. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the warm tone of the pasta nests. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti nests and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add meatballs and sauce when ready to serve.

Can I use homemade meatballs and sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs and marinara sauce will work great and add a personal touch to the dish.

Print

Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie Bites Recipe

These Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie Bites are a fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin pans, they combine tender spaghetti baked with Parmesan and egg, then topped with savory meatballs and rich marinara sauce. Ideal for parties, snacks, or a kid-friendly meal.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Pie

  • 2 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg, well-beaten

Meatball Topping

  • 24 pieces frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups spaghetti or marinara sauce
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the muffin pan: Spray a 24-hole mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook the spaghetti: In a pot over medium heat, cook the broken spaghetti in boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
  3. Mix spaghetti with binding ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, grated Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the cheese and egg throughout the pasta.
  4. Form the spaghetti nests: Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan cups. Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon to create nest shapes that will hold the filling.
  5. Bake the nests: Place the muffin pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 15 minutes until the nests are set and slightly golden on top.
  6. Heat meatballs and sauce: While the nests bake, combine the thawed cooked meatballs and spaghetti or marinara sauce in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a boil, and cook until the meatballs are heated through completely.
  7. Assemble the bites: Remove the baked spaghetti nests from the oven. Top each nest with a few meatballs and spoon over some of the hot sauce evenly.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top if desired for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve the Mini Meatball Spaghetti Pie Bites hot for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite spaghetti sauce or meat sauce for variety.
  • To make ahead, assemble the nests but wait to bake until ready to serve. Meatballs and sauce can be reheated just before serving.
  • Use fresh parsley or dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are not available.
  • These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs.

Keywords: mini meatball bites, spaghetti bites, party appetizers, baked spaghetti nests, meatball appetizers, kid-friendly snacks

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating