The Best Nests

We understand it's hard to portion pasta and meatballs. Try baking in a muffin tin!  This recipe was inspired by Laura's Lean Beef.  The beef I purchase from my local farming friends at Working H Farm is also very lean.  After purchasing ground beef in a 1# package, I divide the package into thirds and freeze it in recipe packages, about 6 ounce each.  That amount after cooking gives us 2 ounce cooked portions of meat, enough protein for our senior citizen needs.

Pasta and Meatball Nests

(Serves 3)

Cook pasta in boiling water 5 minutes.  Drain.
4 ounce whole wheat angel hair pasta
Divide pasta among 6 muffin tins.

Top each with 1/2 teaspoon grated Parmesan.
Bake in 400 F. oven for 3 minutes. 
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Mix beef, garlic powder, seasoning, wheat germ and egg.  Divide in 6.  Make 6 flattened meatballs and place over pasta in tins.
6 ounce ground beef
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
2 teaspoon wheat germ
1 egg

Top each with diced tomatoes, reserving some for garnish.
1 cup petite diced tomatoes, no added salt, canned and drained

Divide cheese among tins.  Bake for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
3 ounce mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish with reserved tomato and fresh basil.