Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked short pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini); 1/2 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; Cooking spray or paper muffin liners; Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Pasta Muffin Bakes with Cheesy Beef are a convenient and satisfying twist on traditional baked pasta. Perfectly portioned into individual muffin-sized servings, they combine creamy cheese, seasoned beef, and al dente pasta into a handheld format ideal for lunchboxes, party trays, or meal prep. These little pasta cups are easy to make, reheat well, and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
– Cooked short pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
– Ground beef
– Olive oil
– Onion, finely chopped
– Garlic, minced
– Tomato sauce or marinara
– Salt and black pepper
– Italian seasoning
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Egg
– Plain breadcrumbs
– Cooking spray or paper muffin liners
– Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by greasing it or lining with paper liners. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, egg, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Mix until evenly combined. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, pressing slightly to pack them in. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and cheese is melted. Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 pasta muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

– Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
– Swap out tomato sauce for Alfredo or pesto for different flavor profiles.
– Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the mix.
– Mix in ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
– Use different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina.

Storage / Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped pasta muffins in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual muffins for about 1 minute, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. Frozen muffins can be reheated directly in the oven without thawing by baking at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover pasta?

Yes—leftover plain or sauced pasta works well, just ensure it’s not too soft.

2. Can I freeze these after baking?

Absolutely—cool completely before freezing for best texture and flavor.

3. Do I need to use muffin liners?

No, but they make cleanup easier. Greasing the pan thoroughly also works.

4. Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade version.

5. Are they good for kids’ lunches?

Yes—perfect size, easy to pack, and they taste great at room temperature.

6. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute.

7. What breadcrumbs work best?

Plain or Italian-seasoned both work; panko adds a slight crunch.

8. How can I make them extra cheesy?

Add extra shredded cheese on top before baking or mix some into the center.

9. Will they hold their shape?

Yes—especially after cooling for a few minutes. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind them.

10. Can I serve them as a main dish?

Yes—serve 2–3 muffins per person with a salad or side vegetables.

Conclusion

Mini Pasta Muffin Bakes with Cheesy Beef are the ultimate comfort food in a convenient, portable size. Perfect for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or party platters, they offer all the satisfying flavor of traditional pasta bakes in a new, fun form. With endless ways to customize, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Let me know when you’re ready for the next article in the list!

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Mini Pasta Muffin Bakes with Cheesy Beef are individual pasta cups made with seasoned beef, pasta, cheese, and sauce, baked in muffin tins for a fun, portable, and kid-friendly meal or snack.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 pasta muffins 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, egg, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, pressing gently to pack.
Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Garnish with herbs if desired.