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Mini Pasta Muffin Bakes

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Mini Pasta Muffin Bakes are savory baked pasta cups filled with ground meat, cheese, and sauce—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—perfect for portable meals, appetizers, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz cooked short pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage
  • 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (for binding)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12‑cup muffin tin or line with paper cups.
  2. Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and cool slightly.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground meat with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain fat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine pasta, cooked meat, marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
  5. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, pressing down gently.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until tops are golden and edges crisp.
  7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use paper liners or coat the pan well to prevent sticking.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peppers for extra flavor.
  • Substitute sausage or chicken for variation.
  • Freeze individually for easy grab‑and‑go meals.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini pasta bakes, pasta muffins, baked pasta cups, kid-friendly appetizers, meal prep pasta, portable pasta snacks

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/mini-pasta-muffin-bakes/