Description
Bolognese Spaghetti Bake Muffin Cups are a fun, portable twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese. These individual muffin cups are packed with a rich and savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, making them the perfect kid-friendly dinner or party snack. Easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to be a hit with your family!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin liners.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and is well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, beaten egg, milk, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spoon a small amount of the spaghetti mixture into each muffin cup. Press it down slightly, then spoon a heaping tablespoon of the Bolognese sauce on top of the spaghetti in each cup.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture, pressing it down to form a muffin cup shape. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan on top of each cup.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the muffin cups from the tin. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, portable Bolognese spaghetti bake muffin cups!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
- You can make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the Bolognese sauce.
- If you have leftover muffin cups, they reheat well in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg