Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Our Spaghetti Meatball Cups with Pumpkin Sauce are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the rich, seasonal goodness of pumpkin. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these adorable meatball cups are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. With just 50 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip up this eye-catching dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your dinner game!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Form the meat mixture into small balls and press them into the muffin cups, creating a cup-like shape along the sides and bottom of each cup.
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together pumpkin puree, marinara sauce, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cut cooked spaghetti into shorter lengths and twirl into each meat cup, filling them partially.
- Pour the warm pumpkin sauce over the spaghetti in each cup, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the meatball cups using a spoon or small spatula.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Meatballs: Ensure your meatballs are tightly packed but not overly compressed to maintain a tender texture. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Pasta Perfection: To prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy, cook it just until al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook when baked in the oven.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to spice up the pumpkin sauce by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Don’t hold back on the parmesan! Adding extra cheese on top before baking will give you a deliciously golden crust.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball cups in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're coming straight from the fridge.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your meatball cups with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
