Spaghetti Nests with Meatballs

1️⃣ 🍝 Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then immediately toss with 10 ml of olive oil to prevent sticking. Reserve.

2️⃣ 🥩 Form the meatballs
In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently mix by hand to maintain a soft texture, then shape into even meatballs about 4 to 5 cm in diameter.

3️⃣ 🔥 Sear the meatballs
Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat until nicely colored. They will finish cooking in the oven.

4️⃣ 🍅 Coat the spaghetti
Add the tomato sauce to the still-warm spaghetti. Gently toss to coat each strand without breaking them.

5️⃣ 🧁 Form the nests
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the spaghetti into tight portions and place them in a lightly greased muffin tin to create neat nests.

6️⃣ 🥩 Fill
Place a meatball in the center of each spaghetti nest. Press it down gently so it sits comfortably without crushing the pasta.

7️⃣ 🧀 Add the cheese
Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese over each nest to encourage a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

8️⃣ 🔥 Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the nests are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

9️⃣ 🌿 Finish