Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bite-sized pasta cups loaded with savory mini meatballs and melted cheese, perfect for little hands and picky eaters who love cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, penne pasta, mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix gently until combined, then form into 24 small meatballs (about 1 inch each).
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; brown meatballs for 3-4 minutes until golden, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain, return to pot, and stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until coated.
  4. Step 4: Arrange meatballs in a greased 12-cup muffin tin, spoon pasta mixture over each until 3/4 full, top with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella per cup.
  5. Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Mini Meatball Pasta Cups?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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