Bolognese Spaghetti Bake Muffin Cups 🍝🧀🍽️
These Bolognese Spaghetti Bake Muffin Cups are a fun, portable twist on classic spaghetti and meat sauce. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or even a creative weeknight dinner, these bite-sized muffin cups combine tender spaghetti, rich Bolognese sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s as adorable as it is delicious.
Let’s dive into how to make these mini masterpieces step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun & Portable : Bite-sized portions make them perfect for snacks, appetizers, or lunches.
- Customizable : Add your favorite toppings like herbs, spices, or extra veggies.
- Kid-Friendly : These muffin cups are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly : Make ahead and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Makes 12 muffin cups)
- 2 cups (200g) cooked spaghetti , broken into smaller pieces
- 2 cups Bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought )
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese )
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional )
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish, optional )
- Olive oil cooking spray , for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, Bolognese sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Muffin Cups
- Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to compact the mixture.
- Sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each muffin cup for a cheesy, golden finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for 5 minutes to set.
- Use a small spatula or spoon to carefully remove the muffin cups from the tin.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Spaghetti : This is a great way to use up leftover spaghetti from a previous meal.
- Grease Well : Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased to prevent the cups from sticking.
- Add Veggies : Stir chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the Bolognese sauce for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead : Assemble the muffin cups ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze baked muffin cups in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Perfect Pairings
These Bolognese Spaghetti Bake Muffin Cups pair beautifully with:
- Side Salad : A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the cups.
- Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy side.
- Creamy Soup : Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or minestrone for a comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin Cup, Approx.)
- Calories : ~150 kcal
- Protein : ~8g
- Carbohydrates : ~12g
- Fat : ~8g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Bolognese Spaghetti Bake Muffin Cups are a creative, fun, and delicious way to enjoy classic spaghetti and meat sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunches, or simply craving something comforting, these bite-sized treats are sure to delight.
With their crispy edges, cheesy tops, and savory filling, they’re as satisfying to eat as they are easy to make. So grab your ingredients, grease that muffin tin, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!