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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.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Let muffins cool before removing for better shape retention.
  • Use muffin liners for easier cleanup and removal.
  • Customize with different meats, sauces, or added vegetables.
  • Freeze individually for a convenient grab-and-go option.
  • Perfect for kids’ lunches or party appetizers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/19896-2/