Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests

Introduction

When it comes to dinner time, finding a meal that pleases the entire family can often feel like a daunting task. Recently, I decided to try something a bit different: Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests. This dish turned out to be a delightful surprise, transforming the classic meatball and spaghetti combo into a fun, visually appealing, and incredibly tasty meal. My family loved the creative twist, and even my picky eater went back for seconds! The spaghetti nests add an interesting texture, and the combination of meatballs and sauce nestled inside makes it a hearty dish everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti pasta
• 1 pound ground meatloaf mixture (beef and pork)
• ⅓ cup plain panko bread crumbs
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs, divided
• 1 tablespoon Onion Onion™ Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Pasta

• Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions; drain and set aside.

3. Make Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground meatloaf mixture, panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, Onion Onion™ Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Mix until well combined.
• Form the mixture into 12 (2-inch) meatballs and place them on a greased large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read food thermometer.

4. Prepare Spaghetti Nests

• In another bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 1 egg, and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then toss until the pasta is well coated.
• Divide the spaghetti mixture among a greased 12-count muffin pan, forming the noodles up the sides of the wells to create nests. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then remove from the oven.

5. Add Sauce and Meatballs

• In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with the Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix. Place 1 tablespoon of sauce in each spaghetti nest.
• Dunk the meatballs in the remaining sauce and place them in the nests. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Final Bake

• Continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Preparation Time

• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
• Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
• Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips

1. Pasta Choice: While thin spaghetti works well, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, like fettuccine or even gluten-free options.
2. Meat Variations: You can substitute the ground meatloaf mixture with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
3. Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute to create a vegetarian version.
4. Herbs and Spices: Add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance flavor.
5. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses; ricotta or provolone can add unique flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Nests: Mix in some shredded cheese into the spaghetti nests before baking for extra cheesy goodness.
• Mediterranean Style: Use feta cheese and kalamata olives in place of mozzarella and add spinach to the meatballs for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a refreshing salad topped with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully for an adult dinner.

Freezing and Storage

• Make Ahead & Freeze:
• Prepare the pasta; toss it with 1 tablespoon of oil and place it in a gallon freezer bag.
• Prepare the meatball mixture (step 3), let it cool, and place it in another gallon freezer bag.
• Prepare the pesto sauce (step 5) and place it in a quart freezer bag. Put all bags into a gallon freezer bag, seal well, label, and freeze.
• Thaw completely before cooking. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and continue with step 4.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?

• Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative for added fiber.

1. How can I make the dish gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the panko breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free.

1. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for crushed tomatoes?

• Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used; just peel and chop them finely.

1. What if I don’t have a muffin pan?

• You can shape the nests on a baking sheet, but they may not hold their shape as well.

1. How long can I store leftovers?

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.

1. Is this dish suitable for kids?

• Yes! Kids love the fun shape and the familiar flavors of meatballs and spaghetti.

1. What can I serve with this dish?

• A simple side salad or garlic bread works well to complement the meal.

1. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

• Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

1. Can I freeze the cooked dish?
   • Yes, you can freeze the fully cooked dish; just ensure it’s well-sealed in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests is a delightful and creative twist on a classic dish that not only looks appealing but also delivers on flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. With its versatility and the option to make it ahead of time, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the smiles around the table as everyone digs into these tasty nests!

Print